How to Check the Production Date of Car Window Glass?
4 Answers
The method to check the production date of car window glass is as follows: There is a string of symbols in the lower left corner of the glass, and below the symbols, there will be a number corresponding to the production year. Through this number, you can check the production date of the car window glass. The number represents the year of production, and the small black dots represent the month of production. For example: '8' indicates the year, meaning it was produced in 2008. If the black dot is before '8', it means it was produced in the first half of the year; if the black dot is after '8', it means it was produced in the second half of the year. Car glass is produced by heating the glass in a furnace to near its softening temperature, then quickly transferring it into air grids with different cooling intensities for uneven cooling, creating different stresses between the main viewing area and the peripheral area of the glass. Generally, glass produced this way is zone-tempered glass.
As a car enthusiast, I enjoy studying the little details of vehicles, and checking the production date of window glass is quite interesting. Usually, there is a small dot or a combination of numbers in the corner of the glass. For example, if you see a number before the dot and another after it, like dot dot 19, it might indicate production in 2019. If the dot is before the number, it represents the month, and the number after is the year, such as 10 dot dot 19, meaning October 2019. To find it, choose a well-lit time, squat down, and carefully examine the corner of the window. Don’t rush—some car glass markings are easier to spot on the passenger side. Knowing the production date is very helpful for maintenance and buying used cars. For instance, you can determine whether the glass is original or replaced, helping you avoid purchasing a car that’s been in an accident. I’ve found that when the glass date matches the manufacturer’s label on my own car, it gives me much more peace of mind. I recommend checking this small detail regularly.
As an experienced car repairer, checking the glass production date is a basic task. Simply put, look for small markings on the edge of the window, usually consisting of numbers and dots. The number after the dot represents the year, and the number before the dot is the month. For example, two dots followed by 21 would indicate 2021, but the exact position depends on the car manufacturer's practice. First, park your car in a well-lit area and use a flashlight to illuminate the corner of the glass. Once you find that string of characters, you can usually interpret it directly. This process doesn't require any tools, though you might need to wipe the glass clean to avoid dust obstructing your view. Note that markings on older cars may be blurry, while newer cars tend to have clearer ones. Knowing the date helps you assess glass aging or replacement status, which can be linked to vehicle warranty checks and maintenance.
I enjoy tinkering with my car myself, and checking the glass date is as simple as looking at it. There are always a few small dot numbers in the corner of the window, and the combination before and after the dots is straightforward. For example, when I bought my car last year, I found a mark that read dot dot 18, representing 2018, which proved the glass was original and hadn't been replaced. When checking, look at the driver's side window glass, take your time, and don't rush—most marks are in the lower left or lower right corner of the window. This process is zero cost but very useful, helping you assess whether the glass lifespan is past warranty, and it also provides evidence in case of insurance claims.
