Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

What are the black dots on the windshield

Here’s why carmakers apply black dots on the windshield

The black dots on the windshield form a band known as the “frit” band. The band is made of ceramic paint that is baked into the glass during the manufacturing process. The paint also seals the edges of the windshield and provides a smooth transition from the glass to the frame.

The black paint also helps to hide the adhesive used in the windshield installation. The frits are also there for aesthetic purposes, placed and baked in a halftone pattern, with smaller dots toward the outside, allowing for a subtle transition to the rest of the glass.

The black dots on the windshield black dots (frits) do four things

1) Help windshield adhesive bond to the glass
2) Protect the windshield adhesive damaging from UV rays
3) Help distribute glass temperature to prevent distortion
4) Provide a “3rd visor” for drivers

black dots on the windshield

 

 

 

 

 

The black dots on the windshield helps bond the window to the frame

Because the black enamel coating is baked onto the glass at the factory, it acts as a primer, allowing the urethane windshield adhesive to gain a better bond with the glass.

Fritting prevents adhesive degradation and failure

The frit band contains UV inhibitors to protect the windshield adhesive from the harmful effects of sunlight. UV rays can degrade adhesives over time, so the frit band contributes to the longevity of the windshield.

They prevent optical distortion

The solid band of black enamel heats up faster than the graduated dot bands around the glass. Without the graduated band of dots, the black portions could cause the glass to distort, called “lensing,” that makes straight lines look curved. So the dots gradually dissipate the heat to prevent lensing from occurring.

They act as a 3rd visor

If the windshield didn’t have the frit border, the solid bland band wouldn’t look pleasing. In late model vehicles, carmakers add more fritting dots around the rear view mirror to provide an additional visor for an area typical visors can’t reach.

Electrical Wiring

In some cases, especially in modern vehicles with advanced features, the black dots may be part of an embedded electrical system. For example, they could be connected to sensors or heating elements for windshield defrosting.

Don’t remove the black dots on the windshield

The windshield’s black spots are an important feature, and you shouldn’t remove, fix, or modify them. The frits keep your windshield bonded to your vehicle, and without it, your windshield would not properly adhere to your car.

For more information on windshield dots, see this article at TravelandLeisure.com

black dots on the windshield

The black dots also act as a 3rd visor

©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

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