Well my almost 2 week old ES350 took a small rock into the windshield at around 30-35mph. It left a small chip in the surface (you could feel it) and about a 1/2" long crack between the layers (you couldn't feel it outside or inside if you ran your fingernail across it). Since it was "fresh" and uncontaminated by moisture and dirt and I wanted to prevent it from getting larger , I looked for a windshield repair shop knowing from somebody elses post about the price of a new windshield which is considerable. It was about 1" up from where the drivers windshield wiper rests. Not in my direct view, but within sweep of the wiper. Settled on NOVUS which is a well known chain.

This just happened yesterday, so I went to the shop this morning. Once the windshield was cool (you can't repair it when it's hot), they drill a small pinhole in the top layer of the windshield, clean it out, and inject a resin which fills & bonds the area.

In any case, drilling the hole went fine. He started to clean out the area of debris... and CRACK.
The crack went up and down from that spot about a total of 10 inches!!!! Interestingly enough,
this crack could now be felt on the outside of the windshield with your fingernail which means the surface layer is pretty soft compared to the inner layer inside the car.

It appears that our "sound deadening windshield" happens to be a mixed blessing and pretty soft compared to other windshields in order to achieve its sound quieting properties. Do not think this would have happened with standard windshield glass as I've had other windshields take impacts at higher speeds. They might have chipped slightly, but did not crack. In any case, do not think Lexus would regard this as a defect as it was caused by "random occurance". Everytings a trade-off !!!
I feel now the crack would have expanded on its own and I would have had to replace the windshield in the near future anyway.

Thought I was doing the right thing trying to get it fixed now. Guess we'll never know now.....

Be careful out there!

 

Just wait until you see the price of replacement. Thank heaven for comprehensive!

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question but what is comprehensive...

Thanks

Mink92890

 

And also, It is quite surprising that the windshield is thinner to achieve lower sounds... I mean its great that sound is lowered and all, but isn't there a point where the material has to be still strong? I mean the Windshield guy was an expert, and this has probably never happened to him before...

That really bites.

Mink92890

 

it is that part our your insurance that covers the cost of the windshield replacement (if you have it on your policy).

NJ, you are in the snow belt as I am, it would have gotten worse this coming winter. You made the right choice. I had mine replaced two years ago because of similar circumstance. Even replacement windshield (I forget the company, but it starts with a P) is very close to OEM. Haven't had a problem with it yet.

steviej

 

What all does it cover specifically. Thanks

Mink92890

 

depends on your state and your insurance provider. Check with them.

steviej

 

OHHH... Comprehensive Insurance... I thought it was a part of the Lexus Warranty. Yeah I am familiar with Comprehensive Insurance.

Thanks

Mink92890

 

I'm sure it still has to meet established safety standards. However, just saying that the outer lamination layer is "soft" which makes for it to chip easier and in turn the winshield glass in between is more susceptible to cracking. Yes, unfortunately the windshiled is very expensive
$1143 + $35 for the molding... to make matters worse I had 2 accidents (2 months apart) with my previous car which was 02 es300. As such, a little worried and may not submit this to insurance as do not want to add to the chances that my insurance company will drop me come renewal time in FEB 2007.

 

Thanks for the support.
Your replacement glass was probably PPG which is very good.

However, as this car is so new his supplier did not even show 07 ES350 for any aftermarket replacement glass. This new windshield is OEM Lexus glass again. Hope I have better luck this time.