How to Determine the Age of Automotive Glass?
2 Answers
The method to determine the age of automotive glass is as follows: 1. Check the code located at the lower left or lower right corner of the window glass. 2. The number represents the production year, and the dots represent the production month. 3. If the dots are in front of the number, it indicates the first half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots before the number from 7. 4. If the dots are behind the number, it indicates the second half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots after the number from 13. Below is an introduction to automotive glass: All automotive glass is semi-tempered glass. Currently, the front windshields of domestic vehicles use laminated glass, while the side windows and rear windshields mostly use tempered glass. If the front windshield is damaged, automotive glass repair technology can be applied, but tempered side window glass will shatter upon damage and can only be replaced.
I find the perspective on car glass age quite practical. Most car windows have a small code printed in the corner, usually a combination of numbers and dots. For example, if you see a number "20" with a dot "·", it represents the year 2020, and the dot might indicate which week of that year it was produced—one dot means the first week. Every time I get a new car, I carefully check to ensure the glass is original, as this affects the resale value of used cars. If the glass has been replaced or the markings are unclear, I use my phone to zoom in and take photos or bring a UV light to check for residual imprints. Importantly, knowing the age helps assess the safety condition of the glass—older glass is more prone to shattering upon impact. I once experienced sudden cracking on the highway, which made me develop a habit of regular inspections. A daily tip is to glance at the corner code while washing your car to spot issues early. Remember, age isn't the only factor—combine it with cracks and discoloration to evaluate safety comprehensively.
