The black dots you often notice on your car’s windshield, especially around the edges and near the rear-view mirror, are known as “frits” or “dot matrix.” These are not merely decorative; they serve several important functional and aesthetic purposes:LinkedIn+14CarBuzz+14krygerglass.com+14
1. Securing the Windshield
Frits are made of a black ceramic enamel that is baked onto the glass during manufacturing. They create a rough surface that enhances the adhesion of the urethane adhesive used to bond the windshield to the vehicle’s frame. This bonding is crucial for the structural integrity of the windshield, ensuring it stays securely in place. autoglaze.co.uk+7CarParts.com – Right Parts. Right Now.+7Beam Auto Glass+7CarBuzzGlass Doctor
2. Protecting the Adhesive
The black enamel frits act as a protective shield for the adhesive beneath them. They block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which can degrade the adhesive over time. By preventing UV exposure, frits help maintain the strength and durability of the windshield bond. mirrortopics.com+7autoglaze.co.uk+7CarBuzz+7Carscoops+9Beam Auto Glass+9automology.com+9CarParts.com – Right Parts. Right Now.
3. Even Heat Distribution
During the manufacturing process, windshields are heated to high temperatures. The frits, being black, absorb heat more quickly than the rest of the glass. Their gradient pattern helps distribute this heat evenly across the windshield, reducing the risk of optical distortions, such as lensing, which can occur when certain areas of the glass heat up faster than others. CarBuzz+2Beam Auto Glass+2CarParts.com – Right Parts. Right Now.+2Jalopnik+6CarParts.com – Right Parts. Right Now.+6automology.com+6Taylor Auto Glass+4automology.com+4autoglaze.co.uk+4
4. Aesthetic Transition
The frits are designed in a halftone pattern, with dots that gradually decrease in size and spacing as they move away from the edge of the windshield. This design creates a smooth transition from the solid black band to the clear glass, enhancing the visual appeal of the vehicle and reducing the harshness of a solid black line against the transparent glass. Glass Doctor+6Travel + Leisure+6autoglaze.co.uk+6CarParts.com – Right Parts. Right Now.+3Jalopnik+3CarBuzz+3
5. Blocking Sunlight
In some vehicles, an additional set of frits, known as “third visor frits,” is applied behind the rear-view mirror. These are designed to block sunlight from entering the gap between the sun visors, thereby reducing glare and improving visibility for the driver.
In summary, the black dots on your car’s windshield are integral to its safety, functionality, and aesthetics. They ensure a secure windshield attachment, protect the adhesive, promote even heat distribution, provide a pleasing visual transition, and help reduce glare