windshield dings and strange noise

[porschedude]

The car is quite low and hence the windshield takes hits easily from pebbles and such, being at such an angle. I have learnt to keep a safe distance from the car ahead of me, especially if it's a big SUV or truck. Also, roads in the US have a lot of debris etc compared to roads in Europe, which are so much cleaner.

[RandallNeighbour]

There is another "cracking" sound that is not rocks hitting your windshield.

It is the convertible top gasket moving laterailly against the painted surface of the top of the windshield frame.

You will hear this on very hot days and it was alarming the first time I heard it, but I have been told it is normal. A little gasket lubricant will reduce the cracking sound to something less alarming.

Just thought I'd mention this as it came to mind.

[n4ally2]

Thanks guys for the 411. It is good to know that I am not the only person who is experiencing these two problems. However, I certainly do not like the fact I have to make sure no cars are around me when I am driving to ensure I get no more rocks hitting on my windshield.

With that said, I am certainly going to email prosche about these two items and hope that you are all going to do it, too. The more people complain about it, the more likely porsche is going to do something about it, right?

[porschedude]

the rock chips usually come from the car in front of you. if you stay a good distance, you should be fine. i don't like anyone ahead of me anyway cause i drive like a maniac.

[edevlin]

I was also impressed by how quickly small rock chips accumulate in the windshield. I put a new windshield on the car 10K ago and I was very carefull to keep a good distance behind cars in the front, and avoid trucks that may spray "chunks" on the car. Still, within the first few thousand miles, I had accumulated quite a few "pits" in the windshield.

Ed

[n4ally2]

you know, today, I was driving with the top down and I heard another "Crack" sound. Does anyone know what that is? I certainly that it wasn't a rock hitting my windshield because I am back up from a parking space.