Does anyone know if the LS430 has a shatter-proof windshield or some type of flying projectile coating? On the highway today doing like 70mph when a rock or something slammed up against the windshield so hard that i'm sure it would've left a pit or crack. To my surprise, after an brief inspection, there was no damage to be seen. Did these cars have some type of protection?

 

Funny you mention that because the exact same thing happened to me yesterday. I was just driving along and all of a sudden I hear this really loud bang as a decent sized rock flew into the windshield. To my relief there was no damage done, but it sure scared the hell out of me!

 

I'd say it's a matter of luck - or more likely physics/geometry... We had the same thing happen last year with a rock that didn't seem big but it chipped the windshield. The attempted repair was terrible so we had the windshield replaced.

 

Like MNDAVES said, it's geometry of the hit. I've had a few not so big hits, and there is a small chip and two dips. Count yourself lucky.

As for glass, it's tempered and coated, so it's not go shatter if that's what your worried about. Other than that, nothing special from my experience.

 

I've experienced the same thing. A large rock hit the windshield, but no damage. The sound of the hit sounded different then other I've driven. The sound was a lot deeper. I thought the windshield might be thicker then normal.

 

The shape of the object dictates the amount of damage. A smooth large object will spread the force and may cause less damage that a smaller object that hits the windshield with a jagged edge or sharp point, just as it requires a sharp point to break a tempered glass. In this case, the windshield is laminated and not tempered, which is required by law to keep objects out and passengers in the car in horrible accidents.

 

My car came with a windshield stone chip with "legs" when I purchased it. A failed attempt was made to due the repair and I ended up with having to replace the entire windshield with a Lexus OEM glass. The insurance company paid for it. It would have been over $2,000 for the replacement!