Some people are only just discovering what those tiny dots on your windshield are actually for

It's something that many of us see every day but most of us probably have no idea what they do.

No, I'm not talking about half your co-workers, I'm talking about those little black dots on your car’s windshield.

Have you ever wondered what those black dots on your car windshield are? Credit: Ekaterina Nosenko / Getty

If you've ever wondered what they're for, then buckle up, because you're about to find out why these tiny dots are more than just a design quirk — they're a crucial component of your vehicle.

What's the Point of The Black Dots on a Car Windshield?

These tiny dots - - that are called 'frits' - actually have more than one function. And The Windshield Company delved into all the big reasons why frits need to be taken seriously. Here they are...

1. Temperature Distribution: The primary purpose of these frits is to help distribute temperature across the windshield evenly. This is crucial because too much heat in one area can cause lensing — an optical distortion where straight lines appear curved.

Those dots are actually called 'frits'. Credit: Martial Colomb / Getty

This not only messes with your car’s aesthetics but can be a serious safety hazard by distorting your view of the road.

2. Protecting the Sealant: These frits are like the silent guardians of the urethane sealant —the glue that holds your windshield to the car frame.

They block harmful UV rays from the sun, preventing the sealant from melting away and ensuring that your windshield doesn’t decide to part ways with your car unexpectedly.

3. Strength Boost: You may have noticed that the frits differ in size throughout your windshield. Well, Nuvision Auto Glass adds the dots are larger in areas where the glass is more prone to damage. This strategic placement gives extra strength to those vulnerable zones, guarding against chips and cracks.

As you glance towards the center of the windshield, you'll see that the frits become finer and more spread out. This design not only maximizes protection where it's most needed but also maintains a sleek, clear view through the middle of the glass.

And now all frits are created equal. Depending on the make and model of your car, these frits can vary. Car manufacturers tailor the size and pattern of the frits to best fit the design and specific needs of each vehicle model.

4. Enhanced Adhesion: Besides protecting the sealant, frits also roughen up the glass surface at the edges, creating a textured layer that makes the windshield easier to stick to the frame.

This rough texture is key during the windshield installation, ensuring everything stays right where it should be.

Those dots actually have a lot of important functions. Credit: FOTOGRAFIA INC. / Getty

5. Aesthetic Transition: Let’s not forget the visual appeal! Frits help soften the transition from the solid black border to the clear glass. Without them, you’d have a stark, less visually appealing line where the glass meets the frame.

What If My Frits Wear Off?

If you notice the frits on your windshield fading or peeling off, it’s not just a cosmetic issue — it’s a red flag.

Compromised frits can weaken the bond between the glass and the frame, putting you at risk of the windshield loosening or even falling out. In that case, getting them checked and repaired by professionals becomes essential for both safety and functionality.

After videos of these purposes were shared to X, social media users voiced their surprise, with one person writing: "Wow! You learn something every day!"

A second added: "True. I didn't know either until I saw this video."

So, there you have it — a full breakdown of those overlooked but vital black dots on your windshield.

Featured image credit:: Ekaterina Nosenko / Getty