How to Check the Production Date of Car Headlights?
2 Answers
Methods to check the production date of car headlights: To read the production date of car headlights, you can look for the stamp on the headlight. The stamp is usually located at the bottom left or bottom right corner of the headlight, and the production date can be directly seen from the stamp. Below is some relevant information about replacing headlights: 1. When selecting new headlights, you should choose the appropriate bulb model based on your vehicle, while also considering issues such as annual inspections and whether the battery can handle it. It is best to choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) headlights. 2. Avoid touching the glass shell of the bulb directly with your hands during disassembly and installation. When installing the bulb, do not touch the glass body directly with your fingers, as even a tiny amount of oil residue on the glass can shorten the bulb's lifespan, and long-term use may even pose a risk of cracking. 3. When replacing the bulb, compare the illumination and adjust it promptly.
As a car enthusiast, I often check the production date of headlights because it helps determine their condition. Generally, there are engravings or label codes on the edge of the headlight housing or lens, such as a combination of numbers and letters. For example, a code like 23W05 might indicate production in the 5th week of 2023. You need to crouch in front of the headlight and use a phone flashlight to inspect carefully; the easiest place to find it is on the headlight reflector. Different car manufacturers may have varying coding systems—for instance, Volkswagen uses numbers for the year and letters for the week. If the date is too old, the headlight may have degraded, reducing brightness and affecting nighttime driving safety. I recommend checking every two to three years as a preventive measure, especially during used car maintenance, to avoid sudden failures and unexpected issues.
