ES - 6th Gen (2013-2018) Discussion topics related to 2013+ ES models

Is this a "patch" on the rear passenger door?

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Old 08-08-16, 09:40 AM
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BB8orR2D2
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Default Is this a "patch" on the rear passenger door?

Look on the bottom right hand side of the photo on the door... see that patch? Anyone know exactly what that is? I see it in that position on several Lexus ES cars. This photo is from a 2014 model. Thanks in advance.
Old 08-08-16, 09:45 AM
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Mike728
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Rock protector.
Old 08-08-16, 10:15 AM
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BB8orR2D2
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Originally Posted by Mike728
Rock protector.
Can you explain in more detail what you mean by that? Why does it only exist on the rear passenger door?
Old 08-08-16, 10:18 AM
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Mike728
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Originally Posted by BB8orR2D2
Can you explain in more detail what you mean by that? Why does it only exist on the rear passenger door?
If it's missing from your driver's side, you may have had some paint work done.
Old 08-08-16, 10:25 AM
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Dave Mac
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Mike is right - it is not a patch but a rock protector and there should be one on both rear doors. Lexus has used these for a number of years. Some people remove them and I have been tempted to do so but I believe they do a good job of protecting the paint. On a light colored car wax and dirt can build up on the edges and not look very good.

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Old 08-08-16, 11:50 AM
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mrsteve7
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Originally Posted by Dave Mac
Mike is right - it is not a patch but a rock protector and there should be one on both rear doors. Lexus has used these for a number of years. Some people remove them and I have been tempted to do so but I believe they do a good job of protecting the paint. On a light colored car wax and dirt can build up on the edges and not look very good.

Dave Mac
Use the tip of a wooden toothpick, applied lightly, around the circumference to remove build-up.
Old 08-08-16, 12:07 PM
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notabot
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Yep it's a rock/chip protector film, I've got them on mine. They're on the rear passenger doors because 1. it's a front wheel drive car, so any wheel spin will be from the front tires which will kick up rocks and pebbles toward the rear, and 2. the rear door area/wheel well has a bit of a flare there so that's where any kicked up rocks would strike.
Old 08-08-16, 12:39 PM
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azipod
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It is a rock-chip protector. You should have it on BOTH sides. I'd be questioning why it isn't there if it's missing from the Driver's side. Maybe they repainted that panel/door?
Old 08-08-16, 12:39 PM
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bc6152
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Mudguards installed behind front tires/wheels = no stone chips. I know, I know, not for everyone but I think they work...
Old 08-08-16, 01:17 PM
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prosgal73
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What about compressed air? you think that is safe for the vehicle's finish or stick to a toothpick? I have a white car so it is noticeable.....
Old 08-08-16, 02:10 PM
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JDR76
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Originally Posted by prosgal73
What about compressed air? you think that is safe for the vehicle's finish or stick to a toothpick? I have a white car so it is noticeable.....
They were on my white IS, and I'd get the dirty build up around them. I'd use a q-tip and rubbing alcohol and it would do a decent job cleaning them up.
Old 08-08-16, 02:19 PM
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prosgal73
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Great thanks. The dealer doesn't recommend taking them off but I'm wondering what they'll look like over the years....
Old 08-08-16, 02:20 PM
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bc6152
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Originally Posted by JDR76
They were on my white IS, and I'd get the dirty build up around them. I'd use a q-tip and rubbing alcohol and it would do a decent job cleaning them up.
Rubbing alcohol is safe for the paint and a Q-tip works very well along the edges of the plastic. Good suggestion...
Old 08-08-16, 02:31 PM
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azipod
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Originally Posted by prosgal73
Great thanks. The dealer doesn't recommend taking them off but I'm wondering what they'll look like over the years....
They are there for a reason. Hard to imagine Lexus spending costs to develop and apply a protecting shielding if they did not believe it served any purpose.
If you cannot clean the originals well, you can always remove it and apply a new one.
Old 08-08-16, 02:37 PM
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prosgal73
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Thank you everyone. Makes sense. I'll a bit OCD and it's an eyesore but like you said better than having rock chips and lexus must have their reasons. When you said apply a new one....is that even an option mine were on my vehicle when I bought it.


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