How to Deal with Inconsistent Dates on Windshields?
2 Answers
It is normal for the date on the windshield to be inconsistent with the car's manufacturing date. If you suspect the vehicle's age, you can check the manufacturer's code on the glass. By examining the manufacturer's code on the glass, you can identify which company produced it. Generally, car manufacturers purchase glass in bulk and do not use too many brands or glass from different production locations of the same brand. Under normal circumstances, the production dates of all the glass in the car should be close to the vehicle's manufacturing date. If one piece of glass has a significantly different production date compared to the others, it indicates that the piece has been replaced. Similar to tires, car glass also has methods to determine the production date through certain numbers on it. However, unlike tires, which use weeks as the unit for calculating dates, car glass uses months.
Speaking of inconsistent windshield dates, I've been driving for over a decade and encountered this situation a few times. The date markings on the glass are usually located in the corners, with dots or numbers indicating the year and month. If they don't match, it could mean the glass was replaced without being recorded, or even improperly repaired after an accident. My first instinct is to check the vehicle's maintenance history, flip through the manual, or look for sales documents to confirm if it was a legitimate replacement. Then, inspect the glass itself: check for any cracks, scratches, or looseness, and see if the sealant is leaking air, as these can affect driving safety and interior noise. If everything seems fine, it's no big deal; if you're unsure, it's best to take it to a professional repair shop for an instrument test on the glass's strength and installation quality. Remember, during routine maintenance, take a quick glance at the glass's condition to prevent potential issues and ensure safe visibility at high speeds. Don't overlook the big risks that this small detail can bring.
