Rotors, clutches, radiators, spark plugs–if you aren’t a car guru or a grease monkey, you might as well be speaking a foreign language.
Ironically, 73% of Americans rely on their vehicles for their daily commute, yet most of us can’t change our oil or even a tire.
Your windshield is something all of us are familiar with, yet even windshields can be pretty complicated.
Contrary to popular belief, windshields are not made up of a single pane of glass bolted to your frame. Instead, they are composed of several layers of laminate glass that must be positioned just right to ensure proper functionality of your vehicle’s safety features.
Perhaps you’ve noticed those tiny black dots at the edge of your windshield and chalked them up to some cool, new decal car manufacturers that have been trotting out.
However, those tiny black dots on your windshield are essential for your safety and should be inspected if they are ever damaged, worn, or cracked.
What Are Those Black Dots on My Windshield For?
So, what exactly are those black dots that appear at the edge of your windshield? They actually have a name–frits–and they play an important role in regulating temperature across your windshield, maintaining its bond, and improving driver comfort.
As vehicles moved from metal trims to adhesives to hold windshields in place, the black frit band was imposed on the windshield to help keep the adhesive in place. Now, every vehicle on the road since the 1960s has a black frit band around the perimeter that you will never be able not to notice now that you are aware of them!
What Is the Frit?
The black frit band is baked-on ceramic paint applied around the perimeter of the auto glass. It consists of a solid black band and dots that transition toward the clear glass. This design helps provide a better grip for the adhesive to stick to the frame.
How Are These Black Dots Made?
The frit is applied during the windshield manufacturing process, making it an essential part of its internal structure. Ceramic paint is screen-printed onto the glass and then baked in a furnace to allow the frit to become imposed into the glass. This baking process ensures the paint becomes an integral part of the glass, making it durable and resistant to scratches or peeling.
Functions of the Black Frit Dots
Frits serve an essential function for your windshield, prolonging its longevity and also protecting the driver from harmful UV rays. Learn what role they play and why they should be inspected if any damage is present.
1. Supporting Adhesion
The primary function of the frit is to create a textured surface that helps adhesives bond the glass to the vehicle’s frame. Modern windshields are installed with strong urethane adhesives, which require a proper surface to ensure a secure fit. Without the frit, the glass would lack the necessary grip. Therefore, anytime the frit is damaged or cracked, the whole windshield typically needs to be replaced.
2. Protecting Against UV Damage
The black frit band acts as a shield against UV rays to protect the adhesive underneath. Continuous exposure to UV rays can degrade adhesives over time, leading to weakened bonds.
3. Thermal Regulation
Windshields experience significant temperature changes, especially in harsher climates like Northeast Pennsylvania, which has four seasons. Thankfully, the gradient of the dots reduces stress caused by rapid temperature fluctuations, minimizing the risk of cracking or damage due to rapid freeze-thaw cycles.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
The gradual transition from the black band to the clear glass creates a more visually pleasing look. While subtle, we think the frit band gives your windshield a bit of pop that makes it look sleeker or more modern. Most importantly, this design hides the adhesive bond from view to create a seamless look.
5. Driver Comfort
The black band often extends beyond the edge of the adhesive to provide shading for passengers and drivers. This reduces glare from the sun and keeps the interior of the vehicle cooler.
What Happens If Those Black Dots Wear Off
If you notice premature wear to the frit band on the outside of your windshield, it’s ideal to get it inspected by an auto glass expert immediately. In many cases, these frits cannot be repaired as they are integral to the windshield.
Nevertheless, it’s important to act quickly as premature wear–for whatever reason–can weaken the bond between the windshield and the frame, resulting in cracks or a loose windshield.
Furthermore, if you discover edge cracks around the frit perimeter, you will most likely need to replace the windshield, as this will greatly compromise the bond between the windshield and the frame.
FAQs
Are the black dots only found on windshields?
While they’re most commonly noticed on windshields, similar frit patterns can also be found on other automotive glass components, such as rear windows and sunroofs. These dots serve similar purposes, including UV protection and aesthetic transitions.
Do the dots affect visibility for the driver?
No, the dots are strategically placed along the edges of the windshield and do not interfere with the driver’s line of sight. The gradient design ensures a smooth visual transition without obstructing the view.
Why are some frit patterns more noticeable than others?
The appearance of the frit can vary depending on the manufacturer and vehicle model. Some designs feature a bold black band, while others have a subtler gradient. These variations often align with aesthetic preferences and branding.
Are the black dots related to defrosting features?
Not directly. The black dots themselves are not part of the defrosting system, but they can complement defrosting features by evenly distributing heat across the windshield, reducing the likelihood of stress cracks during extreme temperature changes.
