How to Check the Production Date of Glass?
4 Answers
The production date of automotive glass is usually marked in the lower right corner of the window or below the logo. Here is a detailed introduction to the coding of automotive glass: 1. Date Reading Method: The numbers represent the year, small dots represent the quarter (there are 4 quarters in a year, with a maximum of 4 small dots), and large dots represent the months within the quarter (a quarter consists of 3 months, with a maximum of 3 large dots). 2. 3C Certification: The authenticity of the glass determines its shatter resistance and the extent of injury it may cause upon breaking. A qualified automotive glass product must have 3C certification, and this 3C certification mark should be clear and extremely difficult to scrape off with a fingernail or blade.
To check the production date of car glass, after driving for so many years, I usually look at the corners of the windows or windshield. There are small dots and numbers there. The numbers represent the last two digits of the year, for example, '20' means 2020. The position of the dots determines the month: dots before the number indicate the first half of the year, with one dot for January, two dots for February, up to six dots for June. Dots after the number indicate the second half of the year, with one dot for July, two dots for August, and so on up to twelve dots for December. Knowing this date helps you determine if the glass is original, which is especially useful when buying a used car, as accident vehicles often have replaced glass. Over time, glass can age and develop cracks, affecting visibility and safety, so it's recommended to clean the corners of the glass during maintenance and check them regularly. I'm farsighted, so I like to use a magnifying glass to assist in the inspection.
From a daily maintenance perspective, I usually start by locating the small imprints on the edges of the glass, typically consisting of dot patterns and numbers. The numbers represent the last two digits of the year, while the position of the dots indicates the first or second half of the year: dots before the numbers denote January to June, and dots after the numbers represent July to December. For example, 'dot 2 dot 2018' means February or August (depending on whether the dot is before or after). This identification method helps assess whether the glass has been replaced, avoiding accidental purchases of problematic vehicles. Aged glass loses strength, potentially compromising driving safety, especially at high speeds. I recommend checking the date when buying a car or during annual inspections. If the glass is too old, consult a professional for inspection. A simple method is to wipe the corner clean with a cloth or use a car light for better visibility.
To find the production date of car glass, focus on the imprints in the corners. The combination of dots and numbers reveals the date. The numbers represent the year, like '23' for 2023. Dots indicate the month: dots before the number count for the first half (each dot equals January to June), while dots after represent July to December. For example, '3 dots 2020' could mean March or September. This is useful for determining the glass's age and avoiding scams. Older glass is prone to cracking and should be replaced promptly. A simple and practical tip: use a flashlight for better visibility.
