Why your car's windshield has those mysterious black dots
Most car windshields feature small black dots of various sizes along their edges. These dots can be found in vehicles of all classes and from different manufacturers. But what is their actual purpose?
8:39 PM EDT, July 4, 2024
Though they may seem insignificant, these dots serve a very important function. To understand their significance, we need to look at the process of installing windshields in cars. Before the glass panel is mounted, its edges are coated with ceramic paint and heated. This process ensures that the adhesive adheres better to the rough surface.
During heating, the paint reaches a higher temperature than the glass itself. These dots are used to prevent the windshield from cracking due to temperature differences, which reduce the temperature difference across a small area of the glass. The size of the dots changes gradually to protect the windshield effectively.
Additionally, the black frame of the windshield, known as the "frit," masks the adhesive used to install the windshield. It also protects it from harmful UV radiation, which helps extend its lifespan.
