How To Fix Scratches On Jeep Grand Cherokee?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 14, 2023

No matter how responsibly the driver treats his Jeep Grand Cherokee, loves and takes care of it, unfortunately, no one is protected from minor annoyances.

Over time, chips and scratches may appear on the Grand Cherokee. Of course, every scratch on a vehicle`s body not only spoils its overall appearance, makes it more susceptible to potential rust, and hurts the owner`s heart.

Scratches not only distort the vehicle`s usual look but can also cause more serious problems. If the scratch is deep, water, debris, etc., will start to get into it over time. This leads to the formation of metal corrosion, which will be very difficult to get rid of.

Therefore, if you see a scratch on the body of your Jeep - it is better to deal with it immediately than to receive more unpleasant consequences in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Scratches on the Jeep Grand Cherokee can lead to more serious issues like metal corrosion if not addressed promptly.
• Common causes of scratches include road accidents, small debris, improper washing, and vandalism.
• The depth of a scratch determines the repair method, with options ranging from simple polishing to full repainting of the vehicle's body.
• Proper attention to detail, using the right tools, and following recommended procedures are crucial for effectively repairing scratches and maintaining the Jeep Grand Cherokee's appearance.

What Can Cause Scratches on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

You can't protect your beloved vehicle from everything. The only working way to 100% protect the Jeep Grand Cherokee from scratches is to lock it in the garage and never drive it. However, this is not an option at all.

There are several of the most common causes of scratches on a Jeep. When you know about them, you can avoid similar situations and protect the vehicle from unwanted traces.

Violation of exploitation conditions

If you use the Jeep Grand Cherokee in ways it wasn't intended for, like driving through rough and uneven terrain, you are soon to witness body paint damage like scratches and chips caused by road debris;

Road accident

Any accident is an unpleasant event. Even a slight hit with the other vehicle or road objects causes significant damage to the body paint, like scratches, dents, and chipped paint, requiring serious repairs to restore the vehicle`s usual appearance.

Small debris

When you're driving on the road, especially behind another car, there's a possibility that small stones or road debris that bounce off the wheels of other drivers can end up on your Grand Cherokee, leaving visible chips and scratches on the paint.

An accident

Some unpleasantries unrelated to occurrences on the road, like hitting a vehicle`s body paint with a shopping bag, may seem insignificant. However, even a small inattentiveness may cause a minor scratch to appear on the Jeep Grand Cherokee`s body paint. 

Improper washing

Inadequate Grand Cherokee washing methods, such as abrasive sponges or brushes, can cause swirls and scratches in the paint. To prevent this type of harm, apply gentle cleaning techniques and use the right detailing tools to your vehicle`s body.

Vandalism

Deliberate acts of vandalism like key scratching or graffiti lead to a major vehicle`s body paint damage. Such occurrences not only spoil the look of the Jeep Grand Cherokee but also demand a professional approach to restore its initial appearance. 

Moreover, the cost of such services is costly: everything depends on the degree of damage that the vehicle has obtained.

How to fix scratches on Jeep Grand Cherokee?

When you see a scratch on Jeep, it's time to act. Start with a visual inspection: assess the scale of the trouble:

How deep is the scratch? Depending on this, the method that will be used to remove the scratch is chosen.

Usually, scratches can be divided into 3 types:

• Shallow scratches (damage to the varnish without damaging the paint layer);
• Medium scratches (the paint layer is broken);
• Deep scratches (the scratch reaches the metal layer).

Shallow scratches

Most often, such scratches appear accidentally: you could get out of the car and get caught with a grocery bag or scratch with your nails near the door handle.

Run your finger over this scratch. If it is shallow, you will not feel it to the touch.

In this case, you can simply polish it - and it will disappear.

The process of polishing is quite simple if you keep to the following steps:

• Thoroughly wash your Jeep Grand Cherokee - in this way, you`ll wash off all the dirt and prepare the body of your car for applying polish. You can read how to wash your vehicle properly here;
• Choose a polishing product - Look for a well-known manufacturer with many positive reviews. Just in case, consult with experts on this matter;
• Apply some polish on a cloth or polishing disc - this will help to cope with the scratch better, especially in hard-to-reach areas;
• Start rubbing the polish into the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Do this slowly, in a circular motion: the polish will gradually penetrate and fill the scratches.
• Continue rubbing the polish until the scratch disappears. After you're done, wipe off the polish with a rag.

If this method didn't help, but you are sure that the scratch is small, afford a special scratch remover and use it according to the same principle. It has a better effect.

Medium scratches

These types of scratches are more difficult to remove. That`s because they are deeper and reach the paint layer.

Such unpleasantness can happen if a stone flies off a passing car somewhere on the road or you hit a fence when leaving the parking lot. But don't panic, we know how to help you in this situation.

You can paint this place with special car varnish. Such a product has waterproof and moisturizing properties to provide the Jeep Grand Cherokee`s body with a glossy but, at the same time, long-lasting result. Apply it in several layers to the scratch. 

The varnish may hide the defect. However, it all depends on the depth of the scratch.

Use a Touch-Up Paint Pen - a special pen with paint. This is an excellent choice when you need to paint small elements, and there is no need to repaint completely.

Remember: the pen is the same automotive paint that is used when painting cars but in a smaller format. 

Therefore, it is important to choose the color of the paint for the body of the Jeep Grand Cherokee otherwise, such a repair will attract even more attention to itself than a scratch because it will stand out.

Choose a pen according to the paint code of the Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicle. It is usually specified in the manual of your vehicle.

How to use such a pen?

• Assess the extent of the scratch: How deep is it? Does it reach the metal?;
• Wash your Jeep Grand Cherokee thoroughly to remove possible dirt and contaminants from the bodypaint;
• Treat the surface on which you`ll work to prepare it for the next step ;
• If the scratch is small, just wash it, remove the debris, and degrease the surface you`ll be working on;
• Paint over the scratch with a pen. Just run it over the scratch like a brush. Take your time and be careful: It`s a sequential task that requires patience;
• If the scratch reaches the metal or corrosion has already started to appear in that place, clean this place thoroughly. Select a small area around the defect and use sandpaper to clean it to the metal.

Now, treat it with a rust converter. After that, apply a primer, and only then paint with a pen.

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Deep scratches

Deep scratches are the most undesirable damage that you can face. They could damage the vehicle`s body itself. This could happen if you suddenly got into an accident or hit something solid with your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In this case, you have only one way out: total repainting of the Grand Cherokee`s body. The scale of it will depend on the degree of the scratches.

You may need to repaint a small section of the part or one part completely. Perhaps it`ll be more expedient to repaint the Jeep Grand Cherokee completely.

Remember! Repainting a car is a serious and rather difficult process. You have to be able to do a lot, and there is a great chance of harm.

Improper Jeep Grand Cherokee painting may lead to the following:

• Irregularities of painting. Some of the elements will be darker, and some will be lighter. This will happen if you don't match the color gamma;
• Smudges of the paint may occur - if you spray the paint incorrectly, you may encounter droplets of paint appearing on the Jeep`s body;
• If the paint is applied incorrectly, over time, you`ll see cracks appearing on it, and it will burn out after a while;
• Corrosion may begin to develop under the paint - when the paint is applied improperly, especially missing on some body areas, soon they become susceptible to any damage and corrosion.

Therefore, if you need to determine your strengths and skills, give the car to professionals. They do everything properly, and you`ll be sure of the result.

Still, if you`ve decided that you can handle painting the Jeep Grand Cherokee yourself, here is an algorithm for removing scratches by repainting the element.

Choose the paint

It's vital to select the right paint for your vehicle. Ensure it matches your Jeep's specific color code to obtain an impeccable result.

Decide the type of the application method

Depending on the scale of work and your desires, you can choose between smaller touch-ups or a paint sprayer for wider coverage. The precision of the work will depend on the choice of the method.

Think about the protective equipment

Before the paint job, protect oneself from chemicals that spray in the process of the vehicle`s painting. 

Wear protective equipment such as a mask or goggles, respiratory mask, gloves, and closed clothing to prevent any harm to your health.

Prepare Jeep Grand Cherokee

Wash the whole Grand Cherokee thoroughly, even if you repair scratches in only one area. A clean surface will provide higher paint adhesion and better results.

Use masking tape

Utilize masking tape to secure the areas you aren't going to paint to avoid overspraying while preserving the surrounding paint. This method ensures that the paint is only applied to the required area.

Prepare the Jeep Grand Cherokee`s body surface

Apply the sandpaper to the damaged area. Rub it gently down to the metal. Such action will allow the paint to stick properly and achieve a smooth finish.

Use rust converter

To prevent corrosion, use a rust converter to the sanded area. This additional layer of protection keeps rust from spreading and putting at risk the repair.

Apply primer to the Grand Cherokee`s body

After the area is sanded and prepared, use a primer on it. Wait until it sets. Therefore, the paint will adhere as it has to.

Apply the paint to the surface

Spray the prepared area with the paint. Allow for drying time between coats. Several thin coats are frequently preferable to one thick layer, leading to a more seamless and even finish.

Clear coat protection

After the paint has dried completely, use a clear coat to the painted area. It will protect the paint from discoloration and extend the lifespan of the body paint on your vehicle, providing it with a high-gloss look that matches the rest of your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Conclusion

Scratches are almost unavoidable in the world of Jeep ownership, but they are fixable. 

As we near the end of our journey through "How to Fix Scratches on Your Vehicle," we've looked at various techniques and methods for restoring the Jeep Grand Cherokee's appearance to its initial state. 

Alternatives for attaining an impeccable exterior are limitless, ranging from minor touch-ups with scratch removers to more complex procedures like sanding and repainting.

The main takeaway from this guide is that removing scratches takes time and requires careful attention to detail and proper tools. The extent of the scratch largely determines the technique used, but the excitement of knowing the Grand Cherokee's surface is brought back is ubiquitous. 

Whether you're an experienced DIYer or a beginner searching for guidance, knowing how to repair scratches is a valuable skill that improves the Jeep Grand Cherokee's visual appeal and saves you money on professional repairs.