How to Check the Date on a Car's Windshield?

[SanDante]

The method to check the date on a car's windshield is as follows: Usually, there is a string of characters in the lower left or right corner of the windshield, such as ...13, which represents April 2013. The number 13 stands for the year 2013, and the number of dots before the year indicates the month. Subtract the number of dots from 7 (7-3=4) to get the month. This method is also applicable when assessing the condition of a used car during purchase: 1. Check if the production dates of all the glass panels on the vehicle are the same. If they are, it indicates the car hasn't been involved in a major collision. 2. If the year on one piece of glass differs from the others, it means that piece has been replaced. 3. Of course, if the production date of the windshield is very close to the current year when you inspect the car, you should definitely not buy it.

[OPaige]

I started playing with classic cars when I was young and discovered that the windshield date is an interesting detail. There's usually a small imprint in the corner, specifically at the lower driver's side, which requires a closer look to spot. The code appears in forms like '..8' or 'F DOT 5', where the number '8' represents the last digit of the year, such as 2018, and the dots or symbols indicate the month—front dot for the first half of the year and back dot for the second half. Interpretation requires considering the actual age of the car. My car has a '..3' mark, leading me to deduce it was manufactured in 2013, which helped confirm the windshield is original and hasn't been replaced. Old windshields over 10 years are prone to weathering and cracks, affecting nighttime visibility and safety, so it's best to inspect them regularly and replace them in time. When collecting classic cars, the windshield date can also verify historical authenticity, helping to avoid being tricked by accident-damaged vehicles. The whole process is simple—just carry a magnifying glass and check in good sunlight for better clarity.

[LeviMarie]

30 years of auto repair experience tells you how to easily check the windshield date: crouch at the front of the car, focus on the lower left or right corner of the windshield, and look for a string of characters like 'DOT 456'. The last digit represents the year, with 4 indicating 2014; symbols like dots denote the month, one dot for January, two dots for February, and so on. Don't overcomplicate it—this method quickly reveals the glass age. Old glass gets blurry, causing dangerous reflections in rainy conditions, so I always remind customers to check new cars. In used car transactions, the date can expose whether it's original or a replacement part; inconsistent dates may indicate accident damage. Keep the glass clean—wipe the code with a damp cloth every six months to prevent dirt from obscuring the marks. Driving safety comes first, and knowing these small tricks saves time and effort.

[OEdward]

When I first bought the car, I asked my neighbor how to check the glass date. He taught me: there are marks on the corner of the glass, like the '..6' on my car, which means it was produced in 2016. The specific location is near the wiper, with the number representing the last digit of the year, and dots or stars indicating the month details. After learning this, I take a quick look every time I wash the car to ensure clarity. The age of the glass affects visibility, which can be troublesome when driving on the highway in heavy fog. A simple check can help with self-maintenance.