How to Check the Date of a Car Battery?
2 Answers
Methods to check the battery production date are as follows: 1. Numeric Marking: Some batteries indicate the production date with numbers. For example, "121017" means the battery was produced on October 12, 2017. 2. Code: Some batteries require careful identification to check the production date. For instance, a battery marked with "4h3116081" indicates: "4" stands for 2014, "h" represents August (counting from 'a' where 'a' is January); "31" means the 31st day, and the rest are random codes. 3. Laser Engraving: Some batteries have the production date laser-engraved, such as "20171123041A", indicating the battery was produced on November 23, 2017.
Finding the battery date is quite simple, and I've done it myself in the car several times. First, make sure the car is parked and turned off, then open the hood after the engine has cooled down—don’t rush to reach in to avoid burns. The battery is usually fixed on the side or center of the engine bay, often in a rectangular shape. Squat down and carefully inspect the surface for a small label or stamped numbers, such as the common "2023-05" indicating production in May 2023. The label might be dirty, so gently wipe it with a damp cloth for better visibility. I usually wear gloves to keep my hands clean and take a photo with my phone to zoom in for details. Most batteries last 2 to 5 years, so knowing the date helps estimate remaining usage time. I check it every six months to plan replacements and avoid sudden failures. The whole process takes about 5 minutes and is easy even for beginners.
