Over time, your Jeep Grand Cherokee's crystal clear headlight lenses can become weathered by the elements. The plastic, although thick and heavy duty, is not resistant to fogging and yellowing. Newer lenses may come equipped with a UV-resistant coating, but this does not stave off clouding resulting from pollution, automotive chemicals and fumes, and road salt. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to replace your headlight lenses, buff out the fogginess yourself. With some polish and a bit of elbow grease, your lights will be shining bright in no time.
Clean the headlight lenses thoroughly using warm soapy water and a textured scrubbing pad. Dry with a soft towel.
Mask off both lenses by surrounding them with painter's tape. This will prevent the paint around the lenses from being scratched.
Start sanding the lens in one direction with 1,000-grit paper. Use a circular motion when sanding. Once you have reached the side of the lens, sand in the other direction with the next highest grit until you finish with 2,500 paper. Repeat this step for the other headlight.
Wash off each headlight with cool, clean water, and dry with a soft towel.
Moisten one corner of the flannel polishing cloth with plastic polishing compound. Start from one side of the lens, and polish in a circular motion, applying firm pressure. Continue until the plastic begins to look clear, adding more polish as needed. Allow the polish to dry. Repeat this step for the other headlight.
Buff off the coat of dried polish on each headlight using a dry end of the flannel cloth. Remove the painter's tape.
