Car Hacks

The Purpose Of Frit Bands On Car Windshield

Ever wondered what those peculiar patterned black bands and dots lining the edges of your windshield are for? No, they aren’t for decorative purposes. Interestingly enough, the answer to this mystery is rather straightforward!

Known as “Frit”, these enamel bands provide an etched surface that allows adhesive to bond to the glass. Technicians use them as a contact point between the glass and frame when a new windshield is being installed. Not only does the frit seal the union, but it also has an added advantage of providing a polished appearance as it masks the adhesive.

While the inward-facing side of the frit allows adhesive to bond to the windshield, the outward-facing portion serves as an ultraviolet radiation shield. In essence, this protection effectively prevents long-term damage from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which damages or weakens the adhesion with time. And, since we are on the subject of sun exposure, the frit also provides some heat dissipation as the dots do provide minor sunshade. 

Who knew that such an understated component of a car would have a dual function?

Image Source: Zlatko Guzmic on Shutterstock

On the other hand, the black dots are aligned in a halftone pattern which helps distribute the temperature evenly to reduce optical distortion in the glass. As windshields undergo a bending process during their manufacturing phase, the black-painted glass heats up quicker than the rest of the frame. These dots are placed to distribute the heat a little more evenly, which prevents the windshield from warping in the heat.

There you have it! Now that you have understood what frits bands are for, check out these other hacks to learn something new about your car.

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