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Probably a Dumb Question about our Windshields

Sams AV

Full Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2003
Messages
111
Location
Martinsburg, WV
Hi all.  It's been a very long time since I've posted or visited...sorry!!!  Now I have a really dumb question.  I have an 04 AV and at the top of the windshield behind the rearview mirror there is a bunch of little black dots on the windshield in kind of a V shape.  What are those dots for/why are they there?

Thanks all!!!!
 
The dilithium crystals for your AV are contained on those dots....don't remove them.

















j/k I've always thought it was to block the sun.  >:D
 
According to THIS LINK...



Q: Several years ago, black dots started appearing on new vehicle windshields. The dots are usually only around the periphery of the windshield. What purpose do these dots serve? --Brad, Midland, Texas

A: Windshield glass contains a black enamel band (called the frit) around the periphery that is baked into the glass. This black band includes a border of dots. See figure. The band has an etched surface to enable adhesive to bond to the glass, says a sales manager at Able Auto Glass. When car manufacturers install the windshield, they bond the windshield to the vehicle with adhesive placed on the etched part of the black enamel glass area (inside surface). The outside of the enamel band shades the adhesive from the Sun and protects it from ultraviolet radiation. The band also serves a cosmetic purpose by covering up the adhesive and gives the windshield edge "a more finished look."

The black dots blend the border into the glass

Rather than a straight black edge, the dot border blends the solid band into the clear glass, says Steve Coyle at Auto Glass Specialists. Some windshields also use the dots as a third sun visor to block the Sun behind the rearview mirror where most visors don't reach.




 
I CHNGE said:
According to THIS LINK...



Q: Several years ago, black dots started appearing on new vehicle windshields. The dots are usually only around the periphery of the windshield. What purpose do these dots serve? --Brad, Midland, Texas

A: Windshield glass contains a black enamel band (called the frit) around the periphery that is baked into the glass. This black band includes a border of dots. See figure. The band has an etched surface to enable adhesive to bond to the glass, says a sales manager at Able Auto Glass. When car manufacturers install the windshield, they bond the windshield to the vehicle with adhesive placed on the etched part of the black enamel glass area (inside surface). The outside of the enamel band shades the adhesive from the Sun and protects it from ultraviolet radiation. The band also serves a cosmetic purpose by covering up the adhesive and gives the windshield edge "a more finished look."

The black dots blend the border into the glass

Rather than a straight black edge, the dot border blends the solid band into the clear glass, says Steve Coyle at Auto Glass Specialists. Some windshields also use the dots as a third sun visor to block the Sun behind the rearview mirror where most visors don't reach.
very interesting  (y) (y)
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback...great info.  Sounds like the "dots" I'm talking about are there to help block the sun.  I'm getting my windshield replaced this week due to a kind stranger and a large piece of ice.  Nothing major (a friend of mine almost lost her whole windshield a couple of weeks ago) started as a chip and has spread due to the temp changes.  So I'm pretty sure when I get the new windshield, it won't have the black dots and I was just making sure I wasn't losing something major!!!

Thanks everyone!!
 
Not all insurance companies allow for the replacement of OEM parts with OEM parts and this includes windshields

It does not however hurt to push the issue...pushing hard even...you know they don't want to spend the money if they don't have to...but I would make them if your policy allows for OEM replacement

I have heard of folks getting Av windshields which have the regular tint band across the top without the enamel bonding/anti glare dots that the OEM windshield has...

And while I respect the "higher yeild" bonding that may occur as a result of this process...I would be hard pressed to see much difference otherwise assuming of course that all other things are equal...
 
Most replacement windshields are made by the same company that made the original. I guess I will have to go look and see what dots your talking about.
 
Actually the truth is that...

there are a variety of glass makers that supply glass as original equipment to car makers

there are a variety of glass makers whose glass won't certify as original equipment to car makers, but will make it to the aftermarket

And THAT, is what the concern is when using aftermarket glass that won't qualify for OE use...

For more information on the WHY's and WHY NOT's...CLICK ON THIS LINK

In part it states...

"...First, not all replacement auto glass is created equal. Your vehicle's original, factory-installed windshield meets automaker requirements for size, shape, thickness, strength and visual quality...

...As an example, OE windshield makers carefully control vinyl moisture during manufacturing to optimize adhesion of the glass to the vinyl interlayer. This improves penetration resistance, an important factor in occupant safety during a collision...

...The passenger-side air bag depends on the windshield as a backboard when deploying. An improperly installed windshield with the wrong adhesives, poor installation techniques or inadequately cured adhesives can pop loose from the sheet metal, rendering the air bag ineffective..."


There is more information that was not quoted
 
MR.SMITH said:
Most replacement windshields are made by the same company that made the original. I guess I will have to go look and see what dots your talking about.
Depending what year Av you have, you may or may not find the dots.
I believe the dotted windshields began around the '04 model year on Avs.

My '02 has the old-school style tint band across the top.
I prefer it that way.
I think the dotted style looks silly.  :p
 
I think you're right.  My '03 did not have the dots and my '04 does.  It gets replaced on Monday, I guess I'll see if there is any tint (dots or band).  If not, I guess it's back to the tint shop to get a top stipe to match the side windows.
 
GoldBowTie said:
Depending what year Av you have, you may or may not find the dots.
I believe the dotted windshields began around the '04 model year on Avs.

My '02 has the old-school style tint band across the top.
I prefer it that way.
I think the dotted style looks silly.? :p

I have an '03 with tint band, and prefer the look to the dots also.
 
Last year i had to have my windshield replaced. I tried to find a new OE windshield to put in but even the local chevy dealer did not have and could not get a factory replacement windshield. The dealer did order a replacement that was made by a factory supplier to GM. Unfortunately It does not have the factory markings and it does have the later style "dots" in the center of the windshield. I hope you have better results.

btw, it's a 2002 av
 
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