How to Check the Year of a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to check the production year of a car: 1. Check the VIN number, which is the 17-digit VIN code located under the front windshield; the 10th digit indicates the production year. 2. Look at the vehicle's body plate. 3. Find the vehicle's certificate of conformity or certificate of consistency. VIN stands for: 1. The abbreviation of Vehicle Identification Number. 2. According to SAE standards, the VIN code consists of 17 characters, hence it is commonly known as the 17-digit code. 3. It contains information about the vehicle's manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location, among other details. Correctly interpreting the VIN code is crucial for accurately identifying the vehicle model and ensuring proper diagnosis and maintenance.
I usually start by checking the 17-character VIN barcode sticker on the lower left corner of the windshield. Just take a photo and upload it to apps like Car Manager, which can automatically decode the model year - for example, the 10th character 'A' stands for 2010. This method is super fast and completely free, with online tools available. Last time I helped a friend buy a used car, we used this to verify the actual vehicle age and avoid seller misrepresentation. Remember, the model year affects insurance costs and depreciation - new cars have lower premiums but depreciate faster, while older cars cost more to insure but are prone to breakdowns. It's best to double-check when renewing your vehicle registration annually to avoid mistakes. While the license plate and engine bay nameplate also show the year, the small print can be hard to read, making the VIN more reliable.
