How to Check the Specific Production Date of a Car?
3 Answers
Methods to check the specific production date of a car: 1. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check: Every car has its own unique VIN when it leaves the factory. Even for cars of the same brand and model, the VIN will differ. The 10th character (letter or number) in the VIN indicates the production date of the car; 2. Vehicle manufacturing plate: Similar to the VIN, every car has a manufacturing plate, which can be found in the engine compartment. This plate clearly displays the production date of the car; 3. Owner's manual: Every car comes with an owner's manual upon purchase. In most cases, the production date of the car will be listed in the manual.
I've worked at a car dealership for several years and seen many people inquire about production dates. The easiest method is to locate the 17-digit VIN code at the bottom left corner of the windshield—the 10th digit represents the year, for example 'L' stands for 2020. Alternatively, open the left front door frame where you'll find a small metal plate engraved with the exact manufacturing month/year. I always check this first when handling used cars because it determines warranty duration and parts replacement specifications—new car parts require matching replacements as soon as model generations change. If those methods fail, checking the owner's manual or insurance copy also works. Never pry open body labels recklessly—it damages paint and creates unnecessary hassle. Recording this date before routine maintenance saves significant trouble, especially for avoiding recalled vehicles, which is crucial for safety.
After buying a car, I wanted to confirm its production date and tried several methods. The quickest way is to scan the VIN code with a phone and enter it into apps like Carfax or VINDecoder, which directly display the year and month of production—there are plenty of free options online. For a new car, just check the invoice, as dealers always note it upon delivery. With used cars, you need to be more careful; wipe the dust off the door frame nameplate to read it clearly. Last time, I discovered the car was older than expected and adjusted my maintenance schedule accordingly. Saving screenshots of online queries is hassle-free, avoiding issues if documents are lost. The production date also affects insurance quotes—newer cars are more expensive but come with updated safety features. Keeping this info in a car document folder is the most reliable approach.
