How to Check the Date of Headlights on a Used Car?
2 Answers
To read the production date of the headlights on a used car, you can check the stamp on the headlights, which is usually located at the bottom left or bottom right corner of the headlight. Below are specific details about replacing headlights: 1. Choosing Headlights: When selecting new headlights, you should choose the appropriate bulb model based on your car, while also considering factors such as annual inspections and whether the battery can handle it. It is best to opt for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) headlights. 2. Installation and Removal: Avoid touching the glass shell of the bulb directly with your hands during installation or removal. When installing the bulb, do not touch the glass part with your fingers, as even the slightest oil residue on the glass can shorten the bulb's lifespan and pose a risk of cracking with prolonged use. 3. Light Intensity: When replacing the bulb, compare the light intensity and adjust it properly in time, as adjusting it later can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Hey, as a seasoned hand at tinkering with used cars, I find checking the headlight date a practical trick. The production date of headlights is usually engraved in a corner or on the back of the housing, in a four-digit format—for example, 2201 stands for the first week of 2022. You’ll need to squat down and use a flashlight or your phone’s light to spot these tiny markings. Then compare them with the vehicle’s production date, typically printed on the door frame’s nameplate. If the headlight date predates the car’s manufacturing date, it’s likely original; if it’s half a year or more later, it may have been replaced, hinting at accident repair history. Once, I inspected a used SUV and found its headlights were from 2021, but the car was manufactured in 2019—pressing the seller revealed it had been rear-ended and fitted with a new light. Remember, don’t rely solely on this; combining it with engine condition and maintenance records gives a fuller picture of the car’s state. For safety’s sake, spend an extra two minutes checking before buying to avoid scams.
