How to Check the Production Date of Vehicle Glass?
3 Answers
Method to check the production date of vehicle glass: There is a code in the lower left or lower right corner of the window glass. The last or second-to-last row contains a number and several small black dots, which indicate the production date of the glass. The number represents the production year of the glass, specifically the last digit of the year, while the small black dots indicate the production month. Some new cars may have inconsistent production dates for their glass, such as the left and right rear windshields having different production months. In fact, it is common for vehicle assembly to involve glass with varying production dates. The vehicle assembly plant is a production facility where parts are prepared in advance, and it is not always possible to ensure immediate assembly. Therefore, achieving synchronization in timing is often difficult.
I've driven quite a few cars and know that the production date of glass can be found by looking at those small markings in the corners. They're usually located at the bottom left or right of the windshield, and sometimes on the side windows. The markings appear as a combination of dots, numbers, or letters. Here's a simple rule: the numbers represent the year, and the dots represent the month. For example, ••20 means October 2020, because each dot stands for a month, and two dots indicate the tenth month. The exact position varies, so you might need to crouch down and look carefully. If the lighting is poor, use your phone's flashlight. Don't worry about it being too technical—almost all cars have this. If you can't find it, try checking another piece of glass or inspect both the front and rear glass, as production dates can differ. Remember to check when the car is parked for safety. Mastering this method is quite useful for determining whether the car parts are original.
I figured it out myself, usually by looking at the corner of the windshield where there's a string of codes, like numbers with small dots. The year is the last two digits, for example, 19 means 2019; the month is indicated by the number of dots, one dot for January up to twelve dots for December. Sometimes it's at the edge, so you have to lean in closer. Once I checked my own car and found all the glass dates matched, which was reassuring. I recommend taking your time when parked to check, don't rush—some cars have hidden markings, and checking a few more pieces of glass will help you understand. This simple self-check can help you avoid repair scams.
