How to Check the Production Date of Car Lights?
2 Answers
Methods to check the production date of car lights: 1. Check the nameplate in the engine compartment: It displays the car's serial number, engine displacement, model, brand, and importantly, the specific production date; 2. Look for the small nameplate around the door seams: It clearly states the car's brand, model, and production date; 3. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) under the windshield: The tenth digit of the VIN indicates the car's production date. Car lights refer to the lamps on a vehicle, serving as tools for road illumination during nighttime driving and as signaling devices for various driving indications. They are generally categorized into headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc.
I remember when I changed my car lights before, checking the production date was quite important because it helps you determine if the lights are aging or out of warranty. Usually, there are small codes or dot matrix patterns on the light housing, such as the common DOT code. The first digit represents the year, and the following letter indicates the month. For example, if there's '23A' after DOT, it means the light was produced in January 2023. The actual process is simple: first, turn off the engine, open the hood, and look for a small label on the side or bottom of the light; use a phone flashlight to see clearly—if there's no label, it might be printed on the plastic frame. Don’t force it open; gently wipe off the dust to read it. If you can’t find it, refer to the owner’s manual or visit a professional shop to avoid misjudgment. Pay attention to the date during regular maintenance—older lights dim over time, which can affect nighttime driving safety. I recommend checking every two years. This trick is quite popular on DIY car repair forums, and learning it yourself can save a lot of money.
