What Are The Black Dots On My Windscreen For?
Reading time 3 minutes
Categories Safety » Windscreen Information »
What Are The Black Dots On My Windscreen For?
Reading time 3 minutes
Categories Safety » Windscreen Information »
Every driver will have likely seen them without really taking them in, but the black dots on you windscreen actually perform a variety of important purposes.
Often overlooked due to the fact that they somewhat inconspicuously blend into the vehicle’s design, you’d be forgiven for not understanding the significant role they play.
At The Windscreen Company, we’re experts in everything to do with windscreens and your car’s glass, and in this article, we’ll take a look at what these black dots are and what purpose they serve.
The black dots on a car windscreen or car window are actually called frits.
Frits are pieces of black-painted enamel that are baked into the borders of the glass during the manufacturing process. Usually, they start out as a solid black panel at the edge of the glass before becoming small dots.
While many people think they’re purely aesthetic, they actually serve a variety of functional purposes.
This includes:
One of the main purposes of car window frits is to evenly distribute temperature across the glass and reduce the risk of lensing.
This phenomenon can occur when there is too much heat in one place on the glass, causing optical illusions by making straight lines appear curved or bowed inwards. When driving, it’s important to have a clear view of the road, and this can be impacted by lensing creating a safety risk, which is one of the reasons why frits are so important.
Another role that car windscreen frits play is that they protect the urethane sealant that is used to adhere glass to its frame – keeping it robustly in place.
The black enamel blocks the sun’s rays and prevents the sealant from melting and causing the glass to fall out of the frame. This ensures the glass remains firmly in place and the vehicle is safe to drive.
As well as preserving the sealant, the frits also act as a contact point between the window and the frame to reinforce it and keep it in place. They create something known as ‘etches’ in the glass’ surface, which makes the glass rougher and easier to adhere to the window frame when windscreens are being installed.
Frits also have some aesthetic benefits.
Without frits, the contrast between the glass’ dark band and transparency is extremely stark and the frits allow for a gradual transition that is easier on the eye.
As outlined above, the importance of your glass’ frits should not be underestimated, and if they have begun to wear off or fade for any reason then it is essential that you get them replaced as soon as possible.
This is because, without them, you run the risk of your windscreen falling out of place.
If you’ve noticed problems with your car windscreen frits or your glass has suffered any other kind of damage, The Windscreen Company is here to help. For more than 25 years we’ve worked closely with customers across the South East and West Midlands, ensuring vehicles of every make and model are safe to drive. To find out more, contact our team today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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