Frameless Winshield Wipers

[Pizza Man]

Has anyone tried or have an opinion on the frameless windshield wipers? I'm due to replace mine and have considered using the Michelin Optimum Wipers.

[HH4]

I have used several different brands and found them excellent for both summer and winter use. You need to be careful in icy conditions not to deform the blade when removing ice. If the blade is bent it will loose contact with the windshield at that point.

[Webwader]

Why do you want to change? I've had great results with the OEM wipers and at $10 a pair for replacement inserts, it's a good deal.

[Pizza Man]

Hi Web, it's not so much that I want to change them as much as I'm wondering if the frameless is less likely to to accumulate ice. Last year, I remember ice forming on the OEM's to the point where the passenger side wiper wouldn't conform to curvature of the windshield and loose contact.

I noticed on the wife's new car the wipers are frameless. So if this is the "new and improved" way to go, I thought I might give it a shot on the Pizza Wagon.

The OEM's have given me great service and still do even though the blade is starting to seperate at the tips. That's why I'm looking for opinions. If frameless is better, then why not?

[Pug]

Originally Posted by Webwader

Why do you want to change? I've had great results with the OEM wipers and at $10 a pair for replacement inserts, it's a good deal.

After replacing my OEM's with another set of inserts, and having them leave similar streaks to the older pair, I decided to "splurge" and went with the Bosch Icons. (There may have been a problem with the "frame" itself on the OEM's).

I'm really pleased with the Icons, and they seemed to work fine after being encased in ice just last night.

Funny that you'd ask this now... their "90 Day Replacement if Defective" warranty ran out today.

I got them at Advance AutoParts (10/26):
#5070109 (424A) - $17.16 (saved $5.72)
#5070108 (422B) - $16.41 (saved $5.47)

[kanji]

Oh nice, i had those when i had my VW and mercedez, weird looking thing and but looks so kewl. They work great but flimsy when you pick up off the windshield.

If i had choice to switch from OEM to those, i would but very happy with PIAA wipers from burtmans.

[Pizza Man]

Originally Posted by Pug

I got them at Advance AutoParts (10/26):
#5070109 (424A) - $17.16 (saved $5.72)
#5070108 (422B) - $16.41 (saved $5.47)

They are slightly more expensive than the Michelin. It seems only Target sells them, though.

[gobo]

I've used the frame-less ones on my 99 Tahoe for over a year with great results so I just put a pair on my RL. Purchased at BJ's, something around $15 each, the recognizable brand name is not coming to mind at this moment, sorry.

[xridgelinex]

I replaced my blades and my wife’s vue’s with Valeo frameless blades because of how poorly the oem worked, especially the winter. I use to get my wife "booted" wipers for the winter and did my research on frameless blades when rain-x started to advertise theirs. (I posted this info back when someone asked about the rain-x ones in July, I guess you never listened… )

What I discovered was Valeo, http://www.valeo.com/automotive-supplier/Jahia/pid/19 , they pioneered frameless blades and basically oem supplies most of higher end vehicles.

I have had them on my RL and on my wife’s vue since June. There is nothing I can say bad about them. No issues and still work exceptional for almost 8 months now. They are well built and I don't see how someone would be able to bend them to warp them. It would take a tremendous amount of force...

I had purchased them online from sams club for $8.33 and change each. Tirerack has them on sale as a buy one get one free.

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/valeo/ultimate.jsp

[xridgelinex]

If you order them, the RL requires a 24" and a 22"...

The Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blade, selected as standard equipment by many OEMs worldwide, combines an aerodynamic, low profile with more than 1,500 continuous contact points for improved performance compared to standard or conventional wiper blades.

Designed for all-weather/winter use, there are no frame joints or other components that could freeze or become clogged with ice or snow limiting foul weather performance.

When you use the Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blade you can expect:
•All-weather/winter design offers resistance to cold weather conditions, no icing (metal parts perform better over the plastic parts used in other wiper blade designs)
•High quality performance at all speeds, in all conditions
•Revolutionary aerodynamic design with reduced vibration and judder
•Enhanced aero-acoustics for low wind noise
•User-friendly lock/unlock provided by unique blade attachment
•Ultra flat blade for improved driver visibility

To create uniform wiping pressure across the entire length of the blade for optimal windshield contact, Valeo's Research and Development Center developed breakthrough Flat Blade Technology. This techology results in a very efficient, ultra-flat wiper blade. An integrated, wind lift spoiler combines with the blade's aerodynamic low profile to help it maintain contact with the windshield to improve visibility, even at higher speeds. In fact, Valeo's European test center speed rated the blades to more than 140 mph.

The Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blade also utilizes Tec-3 Technology:
•Rubber wiping element combines synthetic and natural rubber with a patented, bonded protective coating
•Synthetic rubber upper body provides resistance to permanent set deformity in high temperatures and a superior wipe in all temperatures
•Natural rubber wiping edge provides improved wiping quality and is flexible in cold conditions
•Protective coating reduces chatter and squeaking noise during the life of the blade and makes them last longer than standard blades

The Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blade is designed to fit most vehicles and its user-friendly design helps to ensure quick and easy installation.