Drivers are only just realising black dots on car windscreen have …

It turns out those little black dots on your car windscreen aren't just for decoration - they have a vital purpose. Motorists are always learning new things about their cars, and it's particularly exciting if you find a hidden feature. From buttons that de-ice your car[1] in seconds to buttons that can spare you from being blinded[2] by the lights behind you - there's plenty we've learned recently.

And now drivers are only just learning that those little black dots that you see on the windscreen are not actually just there for decoration - they actually have a really important purpose. These black dots are called "frits" or dot matrices, and are usually located on the outer ridges of the front windscreen. You can usually see these next to a black enamel bar running around the screen.

Windscreen experts at Autoglaze[4] explained that the black dots are "underrated" by road users as they "actually help distribute temperature evenly to lessen optical distortion or lensing." They explained: "This happens when the frit band (the solid black one) heats up much faster than the windscreen's glass, creating an optical distortion that makes either straight lines look curved or bowed inwards toward the centre."

So the dots help to lessen this phenomenon, meaning that the driver is actually able to see out of the windscreen by "dissipating the heat and spreading it out evenly." Max Auto Glass[5] also shared that the black dots are vital for keeping the windscreen stuck down. He said: "It provides a rougher surface for the adhesive sealant to stick to since this part of the windshield is the contact point between the glass and the vehicle's frame.

This helps ensure that the adhesive can form a strong bond all the way around the windshield to properly hold it in place." Both experts also revealed the frit also has aesthetic purposes, creating a "visual barrier" so the black enamel and dots prevent drivers from seeing the adhesive along the frame of the windshield, creating an appearance that is far more "polished." Do you have a story to share?

You can email [email protected][6]

References

1. ^ buttons that de-ice your car (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ buttons that can spare you from being blinded (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Drivers could be slapped with GBP5,000 fine for little-known rainy day mistake (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ Autoglaze (www.autoglaze.co.uk)
5. ^ Max Auto Glass (www.maxautoglass.com)
6. ^ [email protected] (www.mirror.co.uk)
7. ^ Best place to buy Dyson Airwrap as price drops at Boots, Currys, Very, eBay and John Lewis (www.mirror.co.uk)