How to Check the Production Date on Car Glass?
4 Answers
To check the production date on car glass, follow these steps: 1. The number indicates the production year of the glass; 2. The small black dots represent the production month; 3. If the black dots are before the number, subtract the number of dots from 7; 4. If the black dots are after the number, subtract the number of dots from 13 to get the production month. There is usually a code in the lower left or right corner of the car glass. Besides identifying the car manufacturer, glass brand, and national certification code, the production date of the glass is also included. Car glass is manufactured by heating the glass in a furnace to near its softening temperature, then quickly transferring it to air grids with different cooling intensities for uneven cooling, creating varying stresses between the main viewing area and the peripheral areas of the glass.
As a veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience, I always love sharing these little tricks. Look for the small label in the corner of the car window glass, usually on the driver or passenger side, which has a code made up of numbers and dots. The numbers represent the last two digits of the year, e.g., 23 means 2023; the dots represent the month—if the dots are after the numbers, their count indicates the month (e.g., three dots mean March). If the dots are before the numbers, the month comes first. Different car models may have slightly different formats, but the principle is similar. You can easily spot it by wiping the area with a cloth—no professional tools needed. Understanding this date helps determine if the glass is original, especially useful when inspecting accident vehicles or filing insurance claims to avoid being scammed. With a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it and even boost your daily car safety awareness.
Last time I bought a car at the used car market, I accidentally learned this trick. There's a small code on the edge of the car window—the numbers indicate the year, like '22' for 2022, and the dots represent the month, such as two dots for February. The position of the dots (before or after the numbers) affects the month sequence, but you can figure it out with a little observation. I discovered this through repeated attempts—at first, I thought it was just a decorative label. After learning this, I often check the glass dates while washing my car and found out that my car had its glass replaced, possibly due to a minor accident that wasn't disclosed. As a car owner, I find this little knowledge quite practical—no need to waste money at a shop; just spend a few minutes to check it yourself.
For car enthusiasts, the glass date can be checked by looking at the small code numbers in the corner. The number represents the year, while the dots indicate the month. If the dot is placed before the number, it means the month comes first; if the dot is after, it's the opposite. For example, "24" with four dots means April 2024. Different brands may have varying coding styles, but the basic rules are similar. Understanding this can be useful when buying a car or inspecting for accidents, helping you avoid being deceived. It's simple and easy—give it a try yourself!
