Wiper blade designs: which configuration is best for winter
Any type of car wiper includes a rubber blade.
The difference between the models is only in the structure that secures the elastic band. Its purpose is to distribute the pressure of the metal arm of the windshield wiper mechanism evenly over the entire blade. When designing a model of a car brush, engineers take into account all the factors that influence the uniformity of contact of the rubber sheet with the glass. Among them there are a couple of significant ones, which led to the emergence of separate classes of wipers: the aerodynamic characteristics of the frame and the ability to resist freezing.
As a result of the struggle to reduce the windage of classic frames, a frameless type and a hybrid version appeared. Developments in the direction of anti-icing technologies have resulted in a separate class, which is called “winter”. Over time, another option for cold weather appeared - heated wipers powered by the on-board network. In general, just look at any rating of windshield wiper blades for winter and the patterns will form on their own: in the first row is the “winter” option. While frameless and hybrid configurations are excellent, they are not suitable for snow conditions. And heated models are a dubious investment. We dare to assure you that the marketing share in the distribution of priorities is minimal:
- Frame. Not suitable for winter at all. A drop of moisture in the joint and the brush freezes in the cold. The pressure to the glass is broken, which is why the windshield wiper does not clean, but hovers above the window. For a complete bouquet, let’s add here an elastic band that tans at subzero temperatures and leaves streaks even with moving rockers.
- Hybrid. The verdict is the same as for framers - definitely not. This is understandable, because a “hybrid” is the same frame brush, only with a plastic attachment intended exclusively for aerodynamic purposes.
- Frameless. No, period! The idea is not bad, the load on the drive is minimal, and there seems to be nothing to freeze... But no, in snowfalls the snow sticks between the body of the blade and the glass, so that even a new wiper stops coping with the task of cleaning, joining the ranks of hybrid-frameworks.
For your information. It must be admitted that the technique of distributing force on a rubber sheet through a rocker arm system is still considered successful to this day. By the way, such wipers are the only right choice for windshields with slight curves, which are found, for example, on Lada Priora. The point is that the blade can take the shape of the windshield because the range of bend radii is wide.
What is special about the winter class of windshield wipers? Why exactly them and only? Let us explain the advantages of models of this group with reference to design solutions:
- Frame base. We discussed it – it has been tested and has been working for several decades.
- Rubber cover. Prevents moisture and snow from getting on the hinges, which preserves the mobility of the brush in cold weather, and hence the uniform distribution of pressing force. In total, if the rubber does not tan, then there should be no streaks.
- V-shaped section of rubber sheet. This is a unique solution, implemented only in winter models. The fact is that there is no place for snow and ice to accumulate on such a brush: the wedge profile sweeps the precipitation directly onto the rubber case. On hybrids and frames, the design of the rubber sheet includes a groove, which immediately becomes clogged with ice and snow, reducing the quality of cleaning.
- Special rubber composition. Here we can draw an analogy with winter tires: a tire for cold weather is much softer than a summer version at the same temperature.
A clean windshield is the key to road safety.
Some car owners somewhat underestimate the role of normal operation of windshield wipers in ensuring safe driving. Many of them take great risks by skimping on their timely replacement and paying little attention to their condition, as well as how efficiently they work. But high-quality windshield wiper blades are an important component of road safety. Remember, if the windshield wipers do not do their job properly, you must definitely replace them with new ones. As a result of poor glass cleaning, visibility and visibility of the road can be extremely low, which often leads to emergency situations.
What is better to take: rating of winter wipers for a car
We’ve already decided what to look for: it’s a regular frame windshield wiper in a rubber case. Which manufacturer should you prefer? Everything is more complicated here. Alas, the usual guideline, that is, the price, does not work here. For example, the original Alca, at an affordable price, is not much inferior to the exotic Maruenu Gyraless Snow, sold for the price of one new tire in size 15.
Approximately the same trend is observed in the winter washer segment. A year earlier, we told you how to choose an anti-freeze product for your car, and summed up that some branded drugs can kill head optics.
Therefore, even within the winter class, brush is different from brush to brush. Therefore, in order to distribute applicants to positions, it is necessary to find out what qualities are important in principle. According to the editors of Autobann.su, the following are important:
- Janitor resource. It is clear that it is difficult for frames to survive for a long time - the hinges begin to play back and forth over time, which is why even a good elastic band can become streaky. In the automotive environment, a service life of two winters is considered acceptable. On average, this is how long folk models last.
- No squeaks. Please note that they should not be present either after the first stroke or during the entire service life.
- Behavior at near-zero temperatures. If the manufacturer decides to save on additives when making a rubber blade, then the brushes will be difficult to clean in the thaw. There should be no dissonance in the quality of cleaning within the range of -25°C…+5°C.
Taking into account these three requirements, the rating of winter windshield wiper blades was built:
- Maruenu Gyraless Snow.
- Alca Winter.
- Champion Winter WX41.
- Masuma Snow.
- Trico Winter.
- Lynx Winter.
- Avantech Snowguard Polar.
It makes sense to talk about each top contender separately, since the difference in quality, judging by the reviews, is colossal.
Maruenu Gyraless Snow (4,000 rubles) There are no comments about these brushes. They clean perfectly, last a long time, not a single hint of squeak. The high price tag is driven by tourmaline, which is used to repeatedly increase the life of the rubber sheet: there are real examples of trouble-free operation for 3-4 years. | Alca Winter (600 rubles) Traditional windshield wipers are good only in the German version: 2 years without reproaches is a completely normal phenomenon. The Chinese version lasts no more than two months. |
Champion Winter WX41 (500 rubles) In fact, it is an analogue of Alca. They work silently, clean conscientiously, and have a service life of exactly one season. The only negative is that it is only attached to a hook. | Masuma Snow (700 rubles) Solid average. There are no complaints during the first year of operation. |
Trico Winter (600 rubles) The brushes, in general, are not bad: there are no squeaks, the quality of cleaning is a solid “B”. They are groomed for no more than one season. | Lynx Winter (600 rubles) Quality is a C grade. They clean excellently, but they creak throughout their entire life cycle. |
Avantech Snowguard Polar wipers are the cheapest in the competition. The cost of one piece is about 400 rubles. Despite the winter clothes, they are cleaned frankly poorly, and are given up immediately after the first winter.
Pro tip
It is worth noting that ultraviolet radiation also has a negative effect on the rubber of the wipers - rubber cracks very quickly in the sun. Only really high-quality tires can cope with such tests. When choosing brushes, it is advisable to take a closer look at the manufacturers that supply products for fitting expensive foreign cars. These are Valeo, Champion, Bosch. They cost more, but the quality justifies it.
Exclusive: heated car wipers
Technological solutions keep up with the times. And now motorists have a complete solution for harsh winter conditions - heated windshield wipers. Structurally, this is a frameless model with a built-in elastic heating element. The device is not able to completely warm up all the glass - for this there is a standard interior heating system. However, he is quite capable of heating the parking space of the brush and saving the driver from the need to tear off the rubber from the windshield in the morning.
Moreover, constant heating of the wipers maintains the elasticity of the rubber blade, which means its efficiency in the cold increases. The disadvantages include some difficulties with installation and the cost of the kit, but here it all depends on the desires and capabilities of the car owner. The most common models:
- Burner - has several diverse kits that include a thermal relay with a sensor, a fuse and a power button. Additionally, you can purchase a “radio key fob” kit, which allows you to turn on the system remotely.
- Consul Winter is an inexpensive set of heated windshield wipers powered by the cigarette lighter.
As an alternative, handy car enthusiasts use commercially available NShchS heaters. The product is a transparent polyester film with a thin current-carrying track, which acts as a heating element. It is quite possible to install the kit yourself, you just need to take into account the connection features.
It is also important to take precautions when using homemade heating. The reason is the structural difference between the windshield and rear glass. The first is a “triplex” and local heating in severe frost can cause glass to crack. The rear one is monolithic and is not afraid of overheating.
Liquids for cleaning car windows to help the driver
If the glass becomes dirty while driving, and the windshield washer fluid together with the switched-on windshield wipers does not cope with its task, it is advisable to stop near the nearest store or gas station to clean the windshield. To thoroughly remove dirt, use a special car glass cleaning liquid. With this product you can easily and quickly remove stains without streaks.
