Hey guys, do any of you know what to do or what to put of your headlights so that they do not get that fog or turn yellow after a couple years? You know so that you never have to use one of these kits http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-plastic-headlight-kit.html I've heard that this happens because of the UV in the sunlight, others say that it is the road grit that hits the lens and puts little scratches in it, who knows? I've heard that waxing the lens with regular car wax might help, but has anybody actually done this and had their patriot long enough to find out? Anyway, any tips or advise that you guys have would really be appreciated, because the dirty lenses look terrible! Thanks
Protect Headlights from fogging/yellowing
MiddleburgJeep
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Hey guys, do any of you know what to do or what to put of your headlights so that they do not get that fog or turn yellow after a couple years? You know so that you never have to use one of these kits http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-plastic-headlight-kit.html I've heard that this happens because of the UV in the sunlight, others say that it is the road grit that hits the lens and puts little scratches in it, who knows? I've heard that waxing the lens with regular car wax might help, but has anybody actually done this and had their patriot long enough to find out? Anyway, any tips or advise that you guys have would really be appreciated, because the dirty lenses look terrible! Thanks
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If there's a way to prevent it, I'm all for it. However, it doesn't bother me as much as it should I guess. 
the yellowing is from UV degredation. the fogging (water condensation) is from an improper headlight assembly seal and moisture/air gets trapped inside.
there is another characteristic besides the "yellowing" which is more common now, and that is when the headlight becomes "cloudy" . there are solutions you can buy at Autozone (or you can mix them yourself) that clear up the "cloudy" coating on the interior of the headlight. this requires that you remove the headlight assembly, secure it on a clamp, and pour the liquid into the headlight and let it sit. once properly done, it makes the headlight look brand new.
not sure about the Patriot, but for many compact cars this ends up being a headache as you need to take off the entire bumper to be able to remove the headlight assembly (such is the case with the Honda Civic). once done, however, you will see a vast increase in headlight performance when driving at night so one could say it's a safety issue
there is another characteristic besides the "yellowing" which is more common now, and that is when the headlight becomes "cloudy" . there are solutions you can buy at Autozone (or you can mix them yourself) that clear up the "cloudy" coating on the interior of the headlight. this requires that you remove the headlight assembly, secure it on a clamp, and pour the liquid into the headlight and let it sit. once properly done, it makes the headlight look brand new.
not sure about the Patriot, but for many compact cars this ends up being a headache as you need to take off the entire bumper to be able to remove the headlight assembly (such is the case with the Honda Civic). once done, however, you will see a vast increase in headlight performance when driving at night so one could say it's a safety issue
I've restored several cloudy headlights on the 1996-2000 years Caravan's. I use 2000 grit sand paper and wet sand the lens thoroughly, then use paint rubbing compound followed by a milder paint polish. They turn up almost new. These were not yellowed though, just cloudy.
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You can also get some plexiglas refinishing kits with their fine sanding paper and polishes. Check with your local airport's general aviation dealers and pilot supply outlets.
I've noticed that cars that are garaged usually don't have the yellowing problem. You'd think that eliminating night time exposure to the elements wouln't make any difference, but it does! Same with vinyl materials on dashes (not Patriots, tho) last longer that those poor vehicles that stay out all night...
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...wait? arent our lenses made with glass?
I know that those that are made with composite/plastic lens will definitely turn yellow and haze up. I'm not sure if our glass ones will be prone to the yellowing.
Maybe they'll start to dull up. If they do, here's a quick easy and cheap way to fix it.
-get a highspeed polisher, or if your old school use some good old elbow grease.
-get some toothpaste, better if the toothpaste has some baking soda in it
-now polish away using the toothpaste on your lens covers.
I know that those that are made with composite/plastic lens will definitely turn yellow and haze up. I'm not sure if our glass ones will be prone to the yellowing.
Maybe they'll start to dull up. If they do, here's a quick easy and cheap way to fix it.
-get a highspeed polisher, or if your old school use some good old elbow grease.
-get some toothpaste, better if the toothpaste has some baking soda in it
-now polish away using the toothpaste on your lens covers.
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511 Posts
Well I have a 2009 Patriot I don't know about other years but mine are definitely clear plastic lens, you can tell when you tap it with your fingernail. And something else I've noticed regarding headlights I'm not sure but I think all new cars come with plastic lenses. I have some loaded neighbors one has a 2008 Maserati and it has plastic lenses, another has a 2005 Jaguar XJ8 and his plastic lenses had to be restored last year because they were all cloudy and ruff looking on the outside.
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