How to Check the Year of a Car?
4 Answers
To check the year of a car, you can look up the vehicle's VIN code. The VIN code can be found in the following locations: 1. Left side of the dashboard; 2. Lower left side of the windshield; 3. On the vehicle's nameplate; 4. On the body near the upper part of the right front shock absorber; 5. In the trunk area; 6. On the door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or one of the door edges where the lock pillar connects. The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-character code that includes information about the vehicle's manufacturer, year of production, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. The uses of the VIN code include: 1. Verifying the car's identity; 2. Checking for traffic violations; 3. Querying the vehicle's production batch; 4. Accurately locating parts.
I come into contact with cars quite often, such as buying used cars or helping friends check vehicles. The most common method to check the manufacturing year is by examining the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is usually engraved on the inner side of the passenger door frame or below the windshield, consisting of a 17-digit code. The 10th digit represents the year, for example, G stands for 2016, H for 2017, and the number sequence from 0 to 9 corresponds to 2000 to 2009. You can also look for the vehicle's body plate, located near the engine after opening the hood, which displays the manufacturing date. The vehicle registration certificate and title are authoritative sources as well, clearly printing the manufacturing year. I remember last time when I helped someone check an SUV, we confirmed it was from 2015 by checking the body plate, avoiding a misjudgment. The manufacturing year is crucial for safety and resale value, so don’t be lazy—combining multiple methods is the reliable way to go.
As a regular driver, I find checking a car's manufacturing year quite straightforward. Simply open the door to locate the VIN, jot it down, and input it into mobile apps like "CarCheck" - the year info appears instantly. Without apps, just check the vehicle registration certificate or insurance policy where relevant fields are clearly marked. Date clues can also be found on labels under the hood. I once estimated the year via inspection stickers near the license plate, though it's less precise. With today's internet access, online VIN decoders make it even easier. Bottom line: verify details yourself rather than relying on hearsay to avoid complications.
With over a decade of car repair experience, I rely on decoding the VIN to determine a vehicle's model year. The VIN is a car's ID card - its 10th digit consistently corresponds to the year: digits 0-9 represent 2000-2009, while letters A-Y indicate 2010-2030 (e.g., P stands for 2023). You'll typically find it near the driver's door frame. The engine compartment nameplate also shows the manufacturing date, which is more reliable. The vehicle registration document contains official records. Never overlook these details, as the model year affects parts compatibility and maintenance procedures.
