How to Check the Date on Car Window Glass?
3 Answers
To check the date on car window glass, follow these steps: 1. Look for the code at the bottom left or right corner of the window glass; 2. The numbers represent the year, while the dots represent the month; 3. If the dots are in front of the number, it indicates the first half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots from 7; 4. If the dots are behind the number, it indicates the second half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots from 13. The classification and functions of car glass are: 1. Laminated glass: A transparent adhesive plastic film is placed between two or three layers of glass, enhancing the glass's resistance to breakage; 2. Tempered glass: Ordinary glass is quenched to create internal stress, so when it breaks upon impact, it splits into small fragments with blunt edges, reducing the risk of injury to passengers.
I often check the car window glass dates, especially when dealing with used cars. It's quite simple—most glass corners have a small dot-matrix code, and you can understand it by looking at the numbers and dots. The numbers usually represent the last two digits of the year, e.g., '18' means 2018. There are tiny black dots on either side of the number: the count of dots on the left plus one equals the month. For example, two dots on the left mean March, and no dots on the left mean January. However, sometimes the dots on the right represent the day or batch number, so it's best to check the specific car model's manual or search online for the code table. If the glass date is unclear, it might be due to aging or replacement, so inspect carefully for cracks or blurriness, which could hint at accident history. When buying a car, compare the dates on all windows—inconsistencies may indicate accident-related replacements. This is a practical trick to avoid being scammed. It's not hard in practice—just take a photo with your phone and zoom in. Avoid scratching your hands by poking directly.
In the workshop, dealing with glass issues was a common task, and checking the date was a basic procedure. First, you look for a rectangular or circular mark at the edge or corner of the glass, usually imprinted with a few numbers and small dots. The numbers represent the year, such as '20' meaning 2020. The dots on the left determine the month: the number of dots plus one equals the month, for example, three dots on the left means April. The dots on the right indicate the specific day or production batch. If it's hard to see, clean the dust with a soft cloth and use a magnifying glass or your phone's camera to zoom in. Sometimes, the dots may be covered by dust or worn out, making it difficult to determine. This date is important because it helps identify whether the glass is original or replaced, which affects the vehicle's condition assessment. During inspection, it's best to also check the entire window for cracks or discoloration—new glass usually has a recent date, while old glass might pose safety risks.
