How to Check Vehicle Year Using Windshield Number?

[DelBrynlee]

The lower left corner of the windshield has a string of symbols, with a corresponding number below that indicates the production year. Here are the specific details about automotive glass: 1. Function of automotive glass: In addition to identifying the car manufacturer, glass brand, and national certification codes, the glass production date is also included in the windshield number. Automotive glass is an essential part of a vehicle's body accessories, primarily serving a protective role. 2. Classification of automotive glass: Types of front windshields include tempered glass, laminated glass, bulletproof glass, safety glass, and zoned tempered glass.

[DeKate]

If you enjoy tinkering with cars, finding the year by locating the number on the windshield is really not difficult. I often help friends with this: go outside, crouch down at the lower left corner of the windshield (driver's side), and you'll find a long string of 17 digits and letters—that's the VIN code. The 10th character is the key—it tells you the year. For example, 2020 is L, 2023 is P. Just look it up online using a VIN year chart. I usually use a mobile app like VinDecoder—input the entire code, and it will display all the car details, including the year and production date. If the glass is too dirty to read, wipe it with a damp cloth or shine a flashlight—don’t guess blindly, as mistakes can affect maintenance records. Next time you buy a car or refurbish one, give it a try—it saves time and is accurate!

[McMadeline]

With decades of hands-on experience in auto repair, checking a car's year via windshield numbers is basic. Standing in front of the vehicle, just glance down to spot the 17-digit VIN at the lower left corner – the 10th digit indicates the model year (e.g., E for 1985 in older models, possibly S for 2025 in newer ones). I recommend jotting down the code or using an online VIN decoder tool for instant year display, saving memorization effort. While VINs are highly reliable, don't solely rely on them if the windshield was replaced or worn. For accuracy, visit a dealership for professional equipment verification – clearer vehicle history benefits insurance valuation.

[SanEliana]

Finding the vehicle year through the windshield number is super easy—I did it all with my phone: First, identify the 17-digit VIN code at the bottom of the glass, then open a browser and search for a VIN lookup website to enter it. The year usually appears at the beginning of the results. The 10th letter represents the year—for example, 2021 is 'M' and 2024 is 'R'—just memorize the new chart. The whole process is free, fast, and takes just two minutes, making it beginner-friendly.