Highway driving and Stone Chips

b67 · 09-23-09, 06:55 AM

2500 miles and already a handful of chips in the bumber hood and a tiny one in the windshield. Guess its probobly too late for a clear plastic protectant.

Anyone think a hood deflector will help? At least the bumper is plastic and won't rust.

This is my wife's daily driver and she does about 40 miles on the highway a day - her former 2006 car has tons of chips and even some minor rusting on the bigger ones - trying to at least prevent the rust on the RX.

Time to look for a touch up paint....

J LEX · 09-23-09, 10:26 AM

the 3M clear protection tape would have been your best bet.A hood deflector isnt going to offer anything for the bumper,but some for your windshield.

FisforFast · 09-23-09, 10:42 AM

I'd say have the paint chips repaired professionally and have a clear bra installed. A hood deflector is just asking for some rust in the long run.

Also, tell your wife to stop following other cars and trucks so closely on the highway.

Stormforge · 09-23-09, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisforFast

I'd say have the paint chips repaired professionally and have a clear bra installed.

+1 on this comment. one factor to keep in mind: you will need wait anywhere from 2-6 weeks for the paint to cure before you add clear bra. adding clear bra right after a repaint will cause problems (so i've been told from different sources).

DNC · 09-23-09, 10:05 PM

My dealership fixed the paint chips on our 07 RX that came early in the ownership. I have problems with paint chips on my 06 LS Ultra too. We have an errand car, 99 Volvo (200,000 miles), which we purchased new; not one paint chip. We have crystal that is more durable that Lexus paint. So much for that eleven hour paint job they brag about.

GiantsFan · 09-23-09, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNC

My dealership fixed the paint chips on our 07 RX that came early in the ownership. I have problems with paint chips on my 06 LS Ultra too. We have an errand car, 99 Volvo (200,000 miles), which we purchased new; not one paint chip. We have crystal that is more durable that Lexus paint. So much for that eleven hour paint job they brag about.

Its the new water based paints im told.... which has less chemicals and is more environmentally friendly than the older oil based paints...

b67 · 09-24-09, 07:01 AM

I think I will just live with it - the chips really do trigger my OCD though

b67 · 09-24-09, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisforFast

Also, tell your wife to stop following other cars and trucks so closely on the highway.

I wasn't going to say it, but you read my mind

DNC · 09-24-09, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantsFan

Its the new water based paints im told.... which has less chemicals and is more environmentally friendly than the older oil based paints...

Whatever the reason we deserve better for the prices we are paying, and Lexus has done so many other things right. I cannot tell a difference in my LS paint job and the RX. I also cannot tell a difference in those paint jobs when compared to the 97 Avalon we once owned. The paint job on a Lexus is it's weakest point. I have not seen an improvement in Lexus paint from day one nor can I tell the difference between the paint job of a entry level Toyota and the flag ship model Lexus I own.

Premier Films · 09-26-09, 11:45 PM

Rock chips are inevitable. Having paint protection film (aka clear bra) applied to the front end of the vehicle would minimize the wear and tear over the years. Be sure to find someone experienced with this type of application or the bra would look worse than rock chips.