Have you ever noticed the tiny black dots lining the edge of your car’s windshield? These aren’t cosmetic blemishes, but rather functional elements called frits.
- Frits are tiny black dots created during windshield production.
- They are made from black enamel baked onto the edges of the windshield.
Why are Tiny Black Dots on the Windshield?
By serving as a point of contact between the glass and the vehicle frame, windshield frits facilitate the urethane adhesive’s adhesion and help hold the windshield in place.
Frits Serve Several Important Purposes
Stronger Bond: They provide a rough surface for the adhesive that bonds the windshield to the car frame, ensuring a strong and secure connection.
UV Protection: The black enamel shields the adhesive from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, preventing it from weakening or melting.
Reduced Distortion: Frits help distribute heat evenly across the windshield, minimizing optical distortion that can bend or warp your vision.
Aesthetic Appeal: The gradual transition from black enamel to clear glass through the frits creates a more visually pleasing appearance.
Are Frits Found in Every Car?
These days, it’s difficult to locate a car without the little black dots on the windshield. But most cars had metal trimmings holding the windshield in place before the 1950s.
Automakers didn’t begin utilizing adhesive to attach the windshield to the frame until the 1950s and 1960s, which led them to create frits to cover the adhesive.
Are Windshield Frits Wearing Off?
The frits on your windshield may wear off with time. Even though a few missing dots might not seem like a huge concern, you should take immediate action to resolve this problem.
Although the likelihood of your windshield breaking loose and tumbling out of the frame isn’t very great, you shouldn’t take the chance because worn frits may cause the adhesive holding it in place to wear off.
Since these frits are baked, not just painted, on the glass during manufacturing. A complete replacement of the windshield is advised if there is damage to the frits, such as the coating flaking off.
Why Are There Black Dots In Front of the Rearview Mirror?
If you drive a modern car, you have undoubtedly noticed another set of dots located directly behind your rearview mirror on your windshield.
These microscopic particles, are similarly frits but are referred to as “third visor frits.” They’re there to block sunlight sneaking in through the gap between your sun visor and the car roof.
So, next time you see those tiny black dots, remember –
They’re a hidden feature keeping your windshield secure and your view of the road clear.
Also read- Why 1 out of 4 Indians Choose Tata or Mahindra Cars?
