If you’ve ever driven or been in a car, you’ve probably seen the small black dots around the edges of the windshield. They look like a cute decorative pattern or it could even just be another part of the glass – not serving any real purpose. But these little dots, known as “frits,” serve a critical function in the safety, durability, and appearance of your windshield.
What Are They?
Frits are small, black coatings made of enamel that are printed and then baked onto the edges of the windshield glass, and they exist for more than just a nice aesthetic. Without frits, your windshield would lack both security and durability as you drive. The dots are essential in the windshield’s overall design as well as its construction process.
Windshield Stays Secure
The main purpose of frits is to help hold the windshield in place. The enamel acts as an adhesive that bonds the glass to the frame of the car, with the specific points acting as contact points. Without frits, the connection may not be properly bonded, possibly causing a situation where the windshield could shift or even detach while you’re on the road. At high speeds especially, your windshield should not be moving around.
Protecting the Adhesive
Frits are responsible for both bonding the adhesive and protecting it. The enamel on the frits is designed to help block out harmful UV rays from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV light (which happens when cars are outside) weakens the adhesive, which can cause it to fall apart. The frits are a shield for the adhesive, keeping it strong and durable for as long as possible, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your windshield.
Heat Distribution
During the windshield production process, the glass is superheated to mold it into the right shape. Frits help the glass heat up faster than the rest of the windshield, making it more malleable around the edges. The specific pattern of dots better distributes the heat more evenly, preventing any distortions and making sure that the glass stays both clear and strong. The frits are responsible for reducing the chance of any visual distortions through the glass, so your picture is as accurate as possible while driving.
Aesthetic Gradient
While they are certainly functional, there is also an aesthetic purpose. The gradient pattern created by the dots around the edges do provide a subtle transition from the frits to the windshield. This gradual shift not only looks more appealing but also fully hides the edges of any messy or exposed glue.
The choice of colour is deliberate too. Black is the top choice UV blockage and for preserving the adhesive underneath. Black also best masks any imperfections beneath it, making a nice clean finish for anyone looking. The coating is both durable and resistant to any fading, which means the frits will be able to perform their role without having their environment changing and jeopardizing their functionality.
What Happens If the Dots Wear Off?
After a prolonged exposure to the elements, the frits on your windshield may begin to falter. If you’re noticing dots on your windshield fading or chipping, make sure to replace them as soon as possible. While only missing a few dots might not seem like a big deal, they can compromise the adhesive and therefore your windshield. Your windshield can become loose and could even fly out during a collision, creating a new threat during the incident. Always seek professional help when replacing or repairing the frits.
Frits Are Crucial for Safety
At the end of the day, frits are as important for your safety as any other part of your car’s safety system. They help secure the windshield, prevent it from detaching, and protect the glue underneath it from UV damage. Without them, your windshield would be vulnerable to movement, failure, and a less pleasing aesthetic (devastating, we know). Although they may not seem important, those little dots play a major role in keeping your windshield—and you—safe. So next time you’re sitting behind the wheel of your car and looking out your windshield, take a moment to appreciate the frits surrounding your view.
Read More: 15 Things You Should Never Do To Your Car