That last cold spell brought out the usual calls about suddenly having a cracked windshield. Many called stating that the crack was only an inch or two long, not knowing that the crack had extended through the black portion of the windshield to the edge. A number didn’t realize that they had a chip in the black area of the windshield until it was too late. That’s one reason why I say you should check your windshield each time you fuel and from the outside. There are areas on the windshield that can’t be seen from the inside.

That black area that is on the outside edge of the windshield is called a “frit”. No, its not there to hide chips until they crack out. To begin with it is a ceramic paint that is bonded to the inside portion of the windshield. It provides a surface for the adhesive that bonds your windshield to your car’s body. It also protects the adhesive from sun light. The ultraviolet light from the sun, the same thing that gives you a sunburn destroys the adhesive. The frit also provides a cosmetic improvement to your car or truck’s appearance. Otherwise since many vehicles anymore have little or no molding around the windshield, you would get to look at the adhesive.

The dotted area around some rear view mirrors is also made out of the ceramic paint. That is what is called a third visor. 

Windshield chips in the third visor and/or frit also need to be repaired. For a repair tech it does present a challenge because a chip is simply an air pocket that has been created. The biggest problem is the air pocket has a black discoloration, so the repair person is looking for a black spot on a black back ground.

An easy way to locate damage in the frit is to look for pits, which will show up as a white spot. If you locate a pit in the frit area, take a closer look to verify it doesn’t have a small crack or circular (bullseye) damage which is a chip.

By locating and repairing damage on your windshield you can easily save $150 or more. You also will be preserving the factory seal, meaning no leaks and the passenger side air bag will work properly in an accident.