How to Check the Manufacturing Date of a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to check the manufacturing date of a car: 1. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Each car has a unique VIN, which can be used to determine the production date. The 10th character (letter or number) in the VIN indicates the manufacturing date; 2. Owner's Manual: The car's owner's manual also includes the specific production date; 3. Manufacturer's Plate: Most car models have a plate in the engine compartment that displays information such as the model number, engine type, engine displacement, and production date; 4. Car Glass: The trademark on the windshield has a series of characters, for example, three dots followed by '18', which means April 2018. '18' stands for 2018, and the number of dots before the year indicates the month when you subtract it from 7 (7 minus 3 equals 4, so it's April).
I've been driving for many years and often help friends check the manufacturing dates of cars. The most straightforward method is to look at the vehicle's VIN code, which is a long string of numbers located at the lower-left corner of the windshield. The 10th letter represents the year—for example, 'K' stands for 2019, and 'L' for 2020. If it's hard to see, check the nameplate inside the driver's door when opened; it clearly states the production date and month. Don’t trust random stickers on used cars—always rely on these official identifiers to confirm the vehicle's age. Why is this important? When buying a used car, I always check this to know if it’s still under warranty or if parts may need replacement, as older cars might have more wear and tear. The process is simple: drive to a quiet spot, take a photo of the VIN code or nameplate with your phone, and cross-reference it with online decoding tables. It’s quick, reliable, and hassle-free.
