To find your car's paint code, check the service parts identification sticker or a dedicated paint code label located in common spots like the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment, or under the hood. The code is typically a combination of letters and numbers like "WA-8624" or "G7Z". This code is essential for getting an exact paint match for touch-ups.
The most reliable place to look is the sticker on the door jamb on the driver's side. Open the door and look for a rectangular sticker on the door's frame or the body of the car (the B-pillar). This sticker contains various codes, including the paint color information. It's often labeled as "C/TR" for Color/Trim, with the paint code being the first part of that sequence.
If it's not there, check inside the glove compartment. Some manufacturers put the sticker on the inside of the glove box door or on the sidewall. Another common location is under the hood, on the firewall (the wall between the engine and passenger cabin) or on the underside of the hood itself.
If you still can't find it, your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can sometimes be used to determine the paint code, but this is an indirect method. You'll need to contact a dealership parts department or use a specialized online VIN decoder that provides paint information.
| Common Car Brand | Typical Paint Code Location | Code Format Example |
|---|
| Honda / Acura | Driver's side door jamb | NH-700M |
| Toyota / Lexus | Driver's side door jamb | 1G3 |
| Ford | Driver's side door jamb or B-pillar | PMA |
| Chevrolet / GMC | Driver's side door jamb or inside glove box | WA-8555 |
| BMW | Driver's side door jamb or underhood strut tower | B39 |
| Mercedes-Benz | Driver's side door jamb | 744 |
| Nissan / Infiniti | Driver's side door jamb or firewall | QAB |
| Volkswagen / Audi | Spare tire well, trunk, or driver's side door jamb | LY3G |
| Hyundai / Kia | Driver's side door jamb | U3 |
