How to Check the Age of Car Glass?

[TylerLee]

To check the age of car glass, follow these steps: Carefully examine the logo on the windshield (usually located in the bottom left or right corner). There will be a string of characters, for example, '...13' indicates April 2013. Here, '13' represents the year 2013. The number of dots before the year is subtracted from 7 (7-3=4), giving the month. If the format is '13...', it represents October 2013. The number of dots after the year is subtracted from 13 (13-3=10), giving the month. There are four places where you can check the production date of the car: 1. Check the nameplate in the engine compartment; 2. Look for the small nameplate around the door seam; 3. Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) below the windshield; 4. Refer to the car's manual.

[TheoAnn]

I often talk with friends about how to check the age of car glass when helping them with car repairs. The manufacturing date code is usually found at the edge of the car glass, most commonly in the lower right or left corner of the windshield. The code is in a format of numbers and dots, such as ‘3..’, which indicates February 2013—the numbers represent the last two digits of the year, and the dots in front indicate the month minus one. Why check this? When buying a used car, if the glass year differs significantly from the car’s age, it might have been replaced due to an accident, affecting safety and value. I recommend parking on a sunny day, turning off the engine, and using a flashlight or phone light to illuminate the corner—wipe off any dust if needed. Never check while driving; safety comes first. From another perspective, different brands may have slight variations in the code location, but the basic system is the same. Checking periodically can prevent aging and cracking issues, as glass loses strength over time, especially in accidents.

[Gene]

Last time I bought a car, I was curious about how to check the manufacturing year of the glass, so I looked it up online. Simply put, look for a small marking on the edge of the glass, usually at the bottom of the windshield. It's a dot or a combination of numbers. If the number is 15 with a dot after it like '15.', it means January 2015; if the dot is before the number, it indicates the month. The first time I tried this in my own car, I found '6..' in the corner of the windshield, which means it was manufactured in February 2016. It's quite convenient—just spend two minutes looking for it when parked. Don't forget to use a magnifying glass or zoom in with your phone camera, as sunlight can make it blurry. Knowing the year has many benefits. If the glass on a used car doesn't match in age, it might have been in an accident and repaired, helping you avoid potential issues. Checking it during routine maintenance can save you a lot of hassle.

[MacManuel]

The age marking on car glass is indicated using a coding system to represent the manufacturing date. The code typically consists of several dots and a two-digit number. When the dots precede the digits, the number of dots corresponds to the last digit of the year minus one, and the digits represent the month. For example, '.12' stands for January 2012. These markings are usually located in the corners of the glass, such as along the edge of the windshield. Decoding is straightforward and easy to learn, following a global standard. Occasionally, cleaning may be required to avoid misjudgment.

[VanFaith]

Identifying the age of glass is crucial as it directly impacts safety. Aged glass has reduced pressure resistance and is prone to shattering in accidents, causing injuries. Method to check the code: Look for marks like '8..' on the edge of the windshield, where the number 18 indicates the year 2018, and dots before the number represent months. Use a flashlight to see clearly after parking; avoid checking in a moving vehicle. It's recommended to conduct an annual routine check, especially when buying a used car, to ensure all window glasses are of the same year. Significant discrepancies may indicate accident repairs and require professional evaluation. A simple action can save lives.

[Renee]

When I first started learning to drive, I was puzzled about how to find the manufacturing date of car glass. Later, I discovered that there are numbers and dot codes on the glass. For example, a ‘9.’ in the lower right corner of the rear window indicates it was manufactured in January 2019. These markings are usually located in the corners of the windshield or side windows. To check, make sure the car is parked safely and avoid distractions while driving. Clean the area with your hand and look closely: if the dot is before the number, subtract one from the last digit of the year, and the number represents the month. If it’s your own car, recording the year can help you monitor the glass condition—replace it if it’s too old to prevent potential hazards. This method helped me avoid many hidden issues when buying used cars, making it simple and practical.