How to Check the Production Date of a Newly Purchased Car?
3 Answers
Methods to check the production date of a newly purchased car are: 1. Look at the VIN code under the front windshield. The tenth digit of the VIN code indicates the car's production date; 2. Check the nameplate in the engine compartment. There is usually an aluminum nameplate in the engine compartment, which includes the car's serial number, engine displacement, model, brand, and the important specific production date. The VIN code of a car is like a person's ID number. Each VIN code represents a unique car and is often referred to as the vehicle identification number or frame number. This 17-digit number typically contains various information such as the manufacturing plant, country of origin, car type, and vehicle characteristics.
When picking up a new car, I pay the most attention to the production date, just like when I helped my cousin inspect his car last week. First, open the driver's door and check the vehicle identification plate below the B-pillar, which clearly indicates the manufacturing year and month. Then verify the 17-digit VIN on the windshield - the 10th letter represents the year (e.g., M for 2021, N for 2022). The tires and windows also have date codes: the last four digits after DOT on the tire sidewall indicate the week and year of production, while the numbers with dots in the corners of the windows represent the month. These dates should normally be 1-3 months earlier than the vehicle's production date. If the plate shows a date over six months old, be cautious as it might be an inventory car, and it's advisable to negotiate for additional maintenance services.
I remember spending three days researching when I bought my car last year. The easiest way is to check the metal plate on the passenger door frame or in the engine compartment, which clearly displays the format like 2023/06. The VIN is located at the lower left corner of the windshield - just take a photo with your phone, and the 10th digit corresponds to the year code (R for 2023, S for 2024). The key is to verify consistency: the date on the seatbelt tag should be close to the vehicle's production date, and if it's a full-size spare tire, check its production cycle too. For cars older than six months, pay special attention to rubber components and the battery, as these parts are prone to aging when stored for extended periods.
