Lexus’ passion and dedication to innovations and excellence have placed it among the top in the industry in terms of highly-rewarding experiences. Lexus has pioneered some of the most beneficial technologies in automobiles that go a long way in allowing customers to enjoy the most out of every drive.

One such feature that’s a result of this practice is the rain-fighting technology. This feature allows a Lexus to perform in wet conditions as well as dry. This feature has been around for the better part of a decade, and in current models it’s found on the front driver and passenger windows.

It’s a titanium-silica coating on the glass that helps make water bead up and run off, making it easier to see through the window and to see your mirrors when it’s raining. The effect is similar to what those aftermarket window treatments can do.

The difference, of course, is that unlike some aftermarket products, this titanium-silica coating is permanent; it never needs to be reapplied, and it requires no special treatment. Just clean it as you would the rest of your glass.

Water-repellent glass is a subtle innovation, but one that’s easily appreciated by simply comparing the side-by-side behaviour of water on the front and rear passenger windows; on the front, rain will bead up and roll off quickly, whereas on the rear, the water tends to sheet.

Incidentally, this is a reason to insist on genuine Lexus parts if you ever need a window replaced, as an aftermarket product likely won’t have this treatment.

Part of this wonder is the rain-sensing windshield wipers. Sure, you use these all the time. But did you ever wonder how they work? There’s a sensor in the upper centre portion of the windshield, right by the mirror, that shines an LED light (infrared ray) through the glass. If the system detects no water present, the light bounces back. But when it does detect water, it allows the light to go through the glass, and when it does that, the wipers turn on.

Another interesting feature that is offered for the Lexus models like the CT Hybrid and certain luxury utility vehicles is the Front Wiper Deicer. It’s an electric grid embedded in the glass—similar to your rear-window deicer—that runs along the base of the windshield and up the driver’s side A-pillar. Its purpose is to warm those areas to help keep the wipers free of dew.

HEADLAMP WASHERS

These are available on many models and standard on vehicles with LED headlights. LED headlights are so efficient that they don’t throw off enough waste heat to keep the headlights free of ice in severe conditions. So this system automatically squirts washer fluid onto the lens when the headlights are turned on or you activate the windshield washers for the first time. The fluid comes from the same reservoir as your window washer fluid, and should be rated for sub-freezing winter driving conditions.

RAIN-CHANNELING A-PILLARS

You know that little groove on the A-pillars on either side of your windshield? It’s not just a design touch; that channel in the sheet metal (standard on all Lexus 2011 models) also has a practical application. In light to moderate rain, they’re designed to carry the water up and over the top of the car, instead of letting it come around the side and obscure the mirrors.

So in a sense, even the L-Finesse design of your Lexus can be said to impact its wet-weather performance. Now that’s attention to detail.

Encouraged by innovation, the process to create a Lexus vehicle is unique within the automotive industry. Taking inspiration from fields as diverse as the fashion industry, architecture, the arts and medicine, each vehicle is painstakingly crafted to meet Lexus’ exacting standards.

Lexus vehicles are brought to you in Oman by the Saud Bahwan Group. In Oman, every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as 6 years unlimited extended mileage protection – AMAN BAHWAN and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.