Why Does a Car Windshield Have Small Black Dots? (cars, automobile, Mobile)

[mike1003]

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-car...ll-black-dots/

You spend many hours and days driving your car each year. You’re undoubtedly aware of its many features. However, did you ever glance at your car’s windshield and notice the small black dots? Do you wonder why they are there? These little black dots aren’t merely decorative, for they serve an important safety function.

I never heard of "frits" before

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by mike1003

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-car...ll-black-dots/





I never heard of "frits" before

Me neither - interesting.

[Seguinite]

Sometimes I'm not the fastest car on the track...

Makes sense that the little dots might provide some extra grab for the adhesive, but I don't understand them extending down and around the rearview mirrors. Gotta be more to the 'story'. Decorative? But why?

[staystill]

If I am understanding the question and description right. It's the little dotted holes?

I think they are for water, melting ice. I think it's to help it flow as it melts or from the automobile in front of us when driving. That water splashes hard on the windshield so maybe it helps to have little dotted holes for flowing.

[robr2]

This topic came up recently on this forum. The black surround and the dots are called the "frit." It's purpose is to:

help align the adhesive should the windshield be replaced
conceal the adhesive without the need for trim
provide UV protection to the adhesive
creates some heat distribution with the dots
styling and aesthetics.

[arr430]

That would qualify as intellectual property, and your glass companys frit has to be materially different from mine, which is patented.