How to Check the Production Date of a New Car?
2 Answers
Methods to check the production date of a new car: 1. Look at the nameplate in the engine compartment, which indicates the car's serial number, engine displacement, model, brand, production date, etc.; 2. Check the small nameplate around the door seams, usually located near the driver's or passenger's side door, and compare it with the nameplate in the engine compartment; 3. Examine the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) under the windshield. The 10th digit of the VIN represents the production date of the car, and each vehicle has a unique VIN. For vehicles without a date nameplate, the production year can be determined using the VIN code, but the exact date cannot be identified. The globally unified numbering system ensures no duplicates within 30 years.
I bought a new car the year before last and have always been concerned about how to check the production date, as the date is crucial—it affects inventory time and maintenance. The simplest method is to look at the VIN, the 17-digit chassis number engraved at the lower left corner of the windshield or on the dashboard. The 10th character represents the year, for example, 'A' stands for 2010, 'B' for 2011, and so on. Next, check the body label, which is attached to the B-pillar when you open the door or on the inside of the engine hood, where the month and year are clearly stated. Don’t forget to collect the purchase documents and the factory certificate when buying the car—the dealer’s paperwork also contains date details. Last time, I used a mobile app to decode the VIN and found the exact date, avoiding a car that had been sitting in inventory. If you can’t figure it out yourself, just ask the salesperson—they can pull up the results in their system with a quick check. Remember to check periodically, as it helps assess the lifespan of tires and the battery. The whole process is actually quite straightforward, taking less than a minute—nothing complicated.
