What are frame curtains on a car?

One of the biggest inconveniences encountered while driving in the summer is the blinding sun in clear weather. In the case of the windshield, nothing can be done, since changing the degree of transparency is a violation of safety precautions. With side windows has long been found way out - tinting.

To reduce the effect of bright sunlight on the eyes of the driver and passengers, tinting films of various degrees of transparency are glued to the side windows of the car. It can be an ordinary film, which is cheap and looks good, and maybe athermal tinting (what it is, what are its advantages and disadvantages, you can read in a separate article) However, tinting has a significant drawback - if the film is glued, then it helps during the day, and in the dark or in cloudy weather it often turns out to be a serious obstacle to safe driving.

To solve this difficulty, a frame curtain was developed. Consider what it is, what are the advantages in its use and whether it can be done independently.

What is a frame curtain for a car

A frame car curtain is an accessory in the form of a frame that is inserted into the front and rear side windows. On the front windows, they are used as an alternative to tinting, since any film reduces the light transmission of the glass (they can be punished for exceeding the state norms of the driver).

The design of the curtains does not differ in its complexity. It consists of:

• Metal frame. To prevent premature wear of the materials that it will hold, it is covered with a thin layer of rubber or sheathed with a durable fabric. Frame blinds are made to fit the window size of a particular car model. Some manufacturers make sliding curtains. In this case, their frame will be the opening of the window, in the upper and lower parts of which the guides are fixed.

• Textile or nylon mesh. Most often, the material from which it is made is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and can withstand strong wind gusts. Manufacturers make grids with different colors and mesh sizes.

• Mount. This element allows you to fix the frame in the window opening. There are magnetic and metal fasteners made in the form of a corner or hooks. Sliding shutters are fixed in the upper and lower parts of the window opening to the guides using special sliders.

Why frame blinds?

On the front windows, frame curtains are installed as an alternative to tinted windows. On the back - as an additional element of decor, providing greater comfort for passengers.

A feature of this accessory is its mobility - if necessary, the curtain can be easily removed. Such a need appears in the dark, when it is necessary that the front side windows are as transparent as possible. If a frame is installed in the window, you can lower the windows when the car is idle so that fresh air enters the interior. However, due to infrared radiation, the interior will not heat up so much.

Another reason for using frame shutters is the protection of interior elements from burnout in the sun.

What are frame blinds

There are several varieties of car curtains:

• Sun frame. This modification is the most popular. Most often, its frame is fixed to the window with magnets. This mesh is easy to install and remove. The main fabric in them is made of durable fabric or nylon. For each car, manufacturers make models that are ideally suited to the dimensions of the opening.

• Plastic frame. Such modifications are available in the form of a plate with cells. Most of them are attached with suction cups to the glass. They also provide protection from sunlight, however, the plastic from the street quickly loses its saturated color and becomes faded.

• Frameless mesh curtains. The frame in such models are guides attached at the top and bottom of the opening. Sliders with hooks are inserted into them, to which a translucent fabric is attached. The advantage of these curtains is that they can be quickly opened and closed. The disadvantage is that they are used more on windows with right angles, because on the front side windows they will cover only part of the glass.

When choosing a curtain, you need to build on the following parameters:

• Frame size. Universal options cover only part of the window. For greater protection against sunlight entering the cabin, one should purchase such protection that is made for a specific model of the machine.
• Cost. Not always the most expensive curtain will be the best. A cheap analogue due to the rapid burnout of the paint may require frequent replacement.
• Type of curtains. The owner of the car himself needs to determine which modifications are suitable in his case. It can be stationary, which will not be removed throughout the season or they will need to be constantly removed from the windows (for example, dark frames on the front side windows).
• Equipment. Some manufacturers pack two frames in one set (front side or rear side), but there are also those who sell curtains on all windows in the car. Such a kit will cost more, since each frame is adjusted to the size of the window of a separate door.
• Coloring and drawings. If children often drive in a car, then in a company with their favorite cartoon characters, the trip for them will be more interesting. Most often, this design is for plastic plates.
• Trademark. When deciding on the option of frame protective curtains, it is worth paying attention to brands. The main thing is that the manufacturer is known and has a good reputation. In this case, motorists are less likely to encounter factory defects or an unpleasant smell of products that can not be removed. Among the popular brands that sell quality products of this category: Skip Hopp, Diono, Trokot, Hauck, Safety 1-st, Laitovo, Disney.

Sliding curtains

As the name suggests, the peculiarity of this design is that its latches are located at the top and bottom of the window. In this case, the sun-protection elements are made in the form of ordinary curtains, only they are fixed from above and below. Depending on the design of the car interior, these elements can not only protect from direct sunlight, but also be an original accessory in the design of the car's interior.

Such curtains are most often used in executive models, as well as as an original design for passenger buses and minivans. But, despite this, this accessory has a couple of serious drawbacks.

Firstly, even with the curtains open, the view is significantly impaired (the side pillars already block the view, plus there are additional obstacles to the view on both sides of the window). If the curtains are closed, they protect well from direct sunlight (the effectiveness of this depends on the material), but through them it is extremely difficult to see something through the window. For this reason, such curtains can only be used on the windows of the rear row passengers.

Secondly, the employees of the traffic order bodies have a negative attitude to such accessories. Depending on the region, the driver may receive a warning from a traffic police officer, and in the worst case, may even receive a fine.

Blinds on suckers

This type belongs to budget accessories. Its cost, even in the highest quality performance, is available for car owners with modest material wealth. But if you take into account the dimensions of the structure (most often they are universal, and fit most car models), they differ in their low efficiency in terms of protection from direct sunlight. Therefore, it is better not to go on a long trip in hot summer with such screens.

The advantages of frame shutters on suction cups (screens) include the budget cost, as well as ease of installation.

But there are much more disadvantages about such products:

1. The design covers only the central part of the window, which is why a large amount of sunlight penetrates into the car interior;
2. Since the screen is attached directly to the glass, there is no way for passengers to lower the glass so that more fresh air flows into the car (if the car is not equipped with an air conditioner);
3. Even high-quality suction cups are constantly detached from the glass, as they constantly heat up, and the material becomes so elastic that it cannot support the weight of the screen while driving;
4. Since these products belong to the category of budget goods, most often the sunscreen is made from inexpensive fabric. Over time, it will fade in the sun.

Rolled

Rolled sun blinds are more expensive compared to the frame version. Their design consists of a strip with a spring-loaded drum, on which sun-protection fabric is wound.

The structure itself can be mounted inside the door card (standard models for specific cars), on it or on suction cups on the glass. It is more practical to take a model that is fixed on the door, and not on the glass (the suction cups will constantly fall off when heated). The fabric unwinds, and its edge is attached to the top of the glass using a suction cup or hooks.

Hooks would be better than suction cups as they can be hooked onto glass that can be raised and lowered. To provide protection from direct sunlight when the window is open, the edge of the curtain can be fixed to the window frame.

Despite the affordable price, this design has unreliable retainers, and the spring quickly fails.

Here are some more disadvantages of roller blinds:

1. Like framed sunscreens, they also don't cover the entire window, which still leaves a lot of light in the cabin.
2. If the mount is on suction cups, then they constantly fall off due to heating. For this reason, the design in many cases needs improvement.
3. If the edge of the curtain is fixed directly on the glass, then it can be lowered, but at the same time access to the sun's rays into the interior of the car opens.

Installation methods and types of mounts

Frame curtains are attached using three types of clips:

• Metal. Many models are fixed with corners, which are permanently fixed around the perimeter of the window opening. The disadvantage of this type of fixation is a violation of the aesthetics of the car - the corners are clearly visible when the curtains are removed. Large gaps in this case can be eliminated by bending the attached corner.

• Another option for metal fastening is clips that are installed around the perimeter of the window. Such latches are not as noticeable as the previous ones.
• Magnets. In this case, metal corners are installed on the window. In more expensive versions, these elements can be rubberized or sheathed with durable fabric. Magnets firmly fix the frame of the curtain. Even with the glass down, they do not fall out due to a strong gust of wind. If such curtains are installed permanently on the rear windows as a replacement for tinting, the frame can be fixed to double-sided tape or silicone (in this case, maintenance of the protection will be difficult due to the fact that it will not be so easy to remove).

The cost of frame blinds for cars

Today, most car dealers sell both universal curtains and adapted to a specific car. Some manufacturers make goods on special order, for example, for rare cars.

The price of this product depends on:

• Brenda. Some companies have a reputation and set a price based on the fame of their products. Often the quality of such a product is no different from the analogue of a less popular brand.
• Sizes and quantity of positions in a set. Sometimes you can buy two sets of curtains, in each of which two positions are cheaper than one set for all windows. Since one material can go more material than another, the cost of the framework can be different, even though the manufacturer is one.
• The quality of the material. In budget products, a large grid is often used, which negatively affects the quality of the review. With strong gusts of wind, the frame may fall out (depending on the mounting system). Material can glare strongly in the sun. Due to exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, cheap mesh fabric can tear even from a strong gust of wind. The mesh should be dense with small cells. This not only prevents small flies and mosquitoes from entering the cabin, but also provides a better overview.

Each manufacturer has its own pricing policy, so the cost of the kit for the same machine will be different. For example, the price of the auto shutter Trokot for some brands of cars will be as follows:

Car	Cost per pair (front side windows), USD	Cost per set (4 pcs.), USD
Lada (Vesta, Grant, Largus)	105	310
Renault Logan, Volkswagen Polo, Kia, Hyundai Solaris	120	280-335
Chevrolet Niva, Toyota RAV4, Renault Duster, UAZ Patriot	127	355

For some other brands, the cost of automotive protective curtains varies from $ 15 to $ 30 apiece (manufacturers Munchkin, Safety 1st and Munchkin Smart Shade). There is a huge variety of goods in the modern market of automotive accessories, so it will not be difficult for the car owner to choose the best option both in quality and cost.

How to make frame curtains with your own hands

Those who trust only handmade products, you can make frame curtains yourself. First you need to measure each window. To avoid large gaps, you can make a small inlet - a couple of millimeters on each side. So the grid will be tightly fixed on the entire surface of the arch and the pillar (if the invoice option will be made).

To perform the work will require:

• Steel wire with a cross section of 4 mm (its length depends on the perimeter of the window);
• Mesh fabric (it is important that the material is dark and durable);
• Satin ribbon;
• Black cambric (heat shrink for electrical wiring) or electrical tape;
• Passatizhi;

• Transparent double-sided tape or superglue;
• Hacksaw for metal;
• Roulette;
• A piece of chalk;
• Scissors;
• Sewing machine (you can sew by hand, but in this case a lot of time will be spent, and the seam itself will look ugly).

Creating a Pattern

In order not to spoil the material due to incorrect measurements, it is necessary to make a pattern. To do this, a sheet of paper of A3 format or a regular newspaper in a spread is useful. Window dimensions are transferred to a sheet of paper. You should also first determine how the curtain will be mounted on the door (inserted in the opening or overlapped on the window from the inside).

It is worth considering that the pattern is not created for the mesh, but for the frame, so the patterns need to be cut taking into account the size of the window opening. Since all windows in the car may vary slightly, each pattern should be signed. Some make patterns so that in the end the frame does not fit into the opening, but overlays the window frame - it’s easier. In this case, the size will be larger than the opening itself.

Wireframing

By the size of the pattern, a frame for the future curtain is created. It is important that the wire is smooth initially. Steel material is not easy to align. Curved ribs will spoil the appearance of the product, and the gaps will be very visible from the inside of the machine.

To connect the two ends of the frame, you will need electrical tape or heat shrink. If you dock the edges, the frame will always deform at this point, so the length of the wire should be a little longer. To fix the ends, a cambric is put on one of them, threaded further than the overlap. The edges of the wire overlap each other. Then the heat shrink is moved so that both ends are inside it. With the help of open fire, the cambric is heated. Due to the high temperature, it deforms and tightly compresses the connected parts.

If electrical tape is used, the fixing principle is the same. The edges of the frame should overlap. Tightly adhered adhesive tape provides structural rigidity. Some fix the edges in only a few places. For maximum strength, it will be necessary to make several turns, and due to the additional thickness the frame will not fit snugly to the door surface. To prevent this from happening, it is better to wrap all the overlap in one layer with electrical tape.

Sewing curtains

After the frame is made, it is imposed on the grid. At the edges there should be a supply of material so that they can wrap the wire. For convenience, the fabric can be slightly fixed on the frame so that it does not slip during sewing.

Some use super glue for this. It is important to consider that this adhesive can spoil the fabric, so it must be used pointwise. To prevent the mesh from deteriorating, you can use small pieces of transparent double-sided tape.

The fixed mesh wraps tightly around the frame and is sealed with light stitches. Then, with the help of a sewing machine, the net itself is firmly stitched. To prevent the material from messing up during operation, the wire is additionally wrapped with a satin ribbon of the color of the main canvas along the perimeter.

At the end, the curtain fastening is sewn. It depends on the method of fixation - hooks, magnets or clips.

The best models of frame curtains

So, based on the description, the optimal solution for sun protection (as an alternative athermal tinting of windows) are frame curtains designed for a specific car model.

Their advantage is that they completely cover the window, preventing sunlight from entering the interior. Depending on the model, they can be attached with magnets (the most practical option, because such structures are easily removable) or on hooks. Another plus is that you can fully open the window so that fresh air gets into the car, but neither foliage, nor fluff, nor insects will get into the cabin.

Consider the five best models of frame curtains that can be bought in the CIS.

1st place - EscO

The leading position in this rating is occupied by EscO products. The company's products are distinguished by high quality fabrics that do not deteriorate or fade in the sun for a long time. The material also does not strain the eyes when viewed through this fabric.

Advantages of such curtains:

• You can pick up on many car models;
• High quality fabric;
• The frame is made of galvanized steel;
• Does not interfere with the view;
• Fitted tightly (no gaps);
• If the driver smokes, he can choose a mesh with a special hole;
• The degree of shading can be selected;
• An impressive product warranty (three years).

Of the shortcomings, one can single out the fact that they are more difficult to get for some regions. Also, if an order is made for an old car, there is a possibility that the dimensions of the frame may be incorrect, due to which the structure may become with a gap.

2nd place - Laitovo

The second place in the ranking was taken by a manufacturer that has been making frame sunscreens for a long time, thanks to which it has gained a good reputation.

The frame tinting of this company is distinguished by high quality materials and reliable installation. The fine mesh fabric provides good visibility and the steel frame is strong enough to withstand a strong gust of wind.

The advantages of the products of this manufacturer:

• Steel frame;
• Good visibility;
• You can choose an option for many car models;
• The car owner can choose from two types of fabric.

Compared to the previous analogue, these frame curtains have more disadvantages:

• May glare in the sun (depending on the angle of inclination of the sun's rays);
• The fabric is elastic only in the first year of operation;
• Fasteners loosen over time;
• If the weather outside is bad, then they have to be filmed, because in this case there will be poor visibility.

3rd place - Trokot

If you research these products according to the reviews of car owners, then you can get a little confused. On the one hand, there are a lot of those who are satisfied with the quality of the goods, but the same number for the Trokot curtains and negative reviews.

Product Advantages:

• Fits perfectly into the interior and makes the interior in the car more presentable;
• Convenient to install;
• The fabric is elastic, thanks to which the structure withstands strong gusts of wind and even from small stones flying out from under the wheels of oncoming traffic;
• All products are manufactured on quality equipment.

But these curtains also have significant disadvantages:

• The mesh is not so shallow compared to previous options, which makes the material ripple in the sun;
• The frame is made of rubber, which is why, in some cases, there is a gap between the frame and the window opening;
• Sometimes you need to wait a long time for an order;
• The manufacturer produces frame tinting for a significantly smaller number of car models compared to previous companies.

4th place - Legaton

The main advantage of Legaton brand products is in budget prices. At the same time, the curtains are of high quality, capable of competing with previous manufacturers, but second only to EscO analogues.

From the pros, you can distinguish:

• Decent quality of the material;
• Affordable price;
• Excellent insect protection.

Among the significant disadvantages are:

• The sun is dazzling;
• Poor view in the side mirrors;
• The fabric wears out quickly.

5th place - Brenzo

This company differs from other manufacturers that were not included in this rating in that the motorist can choose the quality of the material depending on his material capabilities. Of course, compared to the analogs discussed above, these models are inferior in quality, even if premium material is ordered. But due to the affordable price, the product has its own circle of admirers.

Of the advantages of Brenzo frame curtains:

• Democratic cost;
• There is an opportunity to choose the quality of the fabric, focusing on your funds;
• Everything that happens on the road is clearly visible through the fabric.

Significant disadvantages:

• The manufacturer offers its products only for a small model range;
• The order is processed for a long time;
• If there is no suitable product in the store, then it often takes a long time to wait;
• The honeycomb quickly burns out and breaks.

Construction operation

A feature of frame curtains is their removable design. When there is no need for their use, frames are easily dismantled. Given that the grid is afraid of high mechanical stress, it is necessary to be careful during operation.

Here are some things that can extend the life of a curtain:

• As little as possible to remove and install;
• In case of severe contamination (for example, during the flowering period of poplars) do not use a brush for cleaning;
• When the need arises, the mesh should be washed in the shower without the use of cleaning and detergents (they can ruin the material or wash off the paint);
• The mesh quickly melts in contact with hot objects, so the smoker should remember that even the smallest contact of a smoking cigarette can leave a mark on the canvas;
• In winter, when there is no need for a curtain, it should be stored in a special case at room temperature in a place where mechanical loads will not be applied to the mesh or the frame.

With proper storage and careful operation, the material can last more than one season.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any accessory that is not installed in the car from the factory, frame curtains have their advantages (over classical tinting), but there are many drawbacks to using them.

The benefits of safety nets include:

• Aesthetic component: a high-quality accessory decorates the interior and gives the car originality;
• Provide additional comfort: in sunny weather, in the presence of frame curtains, the cabin does not heat up so much, so during a car idle, everyone in it will be able to relax and rest;

• The removable design allows you to change the level of dimming of the cabin (this factor is especially useful in the dark);
• The law does not prohibit the use of protective screens during parking, so the canvas itself can be made of dark material;
• The frame does not have sharp edges that can be injured, and the tissue is not toxic and does not cause allergic reactions;
• Frameless curtains allow each passenger to determine to what extent you can close your window;

• Protect from the bright sun, and some varieties have UV protection;
• Since most structures are mounted on the door itself, the installation of the frame will not interfere with the operation of the window;
• In contrast to tinting, wireframe protective nets provide dimming of the interior even with windows open;
• During movement, an insect (for example, a bumblebee, wasp, bee or hornet) can enter the cabin through an open window, which can cause panic in the car (especially if there are children in the car), which will create an emergency. Curtains prevent such situations, but the interior can be ventilated;

• The frame is easy to install, which can not be said about tinting glass with a film;
• To improve the view in the evening, the mesh can be removed, and tinted windows will need to be lowered.

Each motorist can note for himself a few additional factors in favor of installing protective screens. At the same time, this product is not without negative aspects. These include:

• Some varieties of fasteners are clearly visible with the mesh removed, and you can sometimes get hurt about the corners;
• To communicate with a person standing next to the car, you must either open the door or exit the car. The same problem is observed when it is necessary to transfer an object through a window;
• If a dense canvas is used, the view may disappear at a certain angle, which increases blind spots for the driver;
• In wet weather, condensation forms between the screen and the window, which further reduces the view from the passenger compartment (you can read about the reasons for windows to fog up and ways to fix the problem) here);

• If necessary, remove the curtains in the cabin should be a place where they can be put and they will not go bad;
• Home-made frames often only spoil the appearance of the car due to poor-quality cut (uneven wire, a curved seam, etc.).

Installing frame curtains in a car is a matter of taste. Some refuse this opportunity due to the fact that they purchased low-quality goods or a model that is not suitable for their car. Such troubles can be avoided if you choose the products of a well-known brand and buy only the option that is designed for a particular car model.

Questions and answers:

How to install frame curtains correctly? The kit for each modification of the curtains includes instructions for installing the structure. The most correct solution is to install the part in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In this case, the device will serve its due date.

How are frame curtains attached to a car? This can be done in two ways. First: hooks are attached to the door (held by the door seal), to which the curtain body is fixed. Second: fix the body of the shutters with the magnets included in the kit. There is also a budget version of frame shutters that are attached directly to the glass using suction cups.

What are the best frame curtains? In the first place in the rating of frame shutters is Esco products. Next comes Laitovo, followed by Trokot, then Legaton. Rounding out the rating are the Brenzo curtains.