How to Determine the Age of Car Glass?

[StJosiah]

The method to determine the age of car glass is: 1. Check the code at the lower left or lower right corner of the window glass; 2. The numbers represent the year, and the dots represent the month; 3. If the dots are in front of the numbers, it indicates the first half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots in front from 7; 4. If the dots are behind the numbers, it indicates the second half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots behind from 13. The classification and functions of car glass are: 1. Laminated glass: Transparent adhesive plastic film is applied between two or three layers of glass, enhancing the glass's resistance to breakage; 2. Tempered glass: Ordinary glass is quenched to form certain internal stress. When impacted and broken, the glass splits into small pieces with blunt edges, reducing the risk of injury to passengers.

[Elena]

When checking the age of car glass, I mainly focus on the markings in the corners. As a mechanic with twenty years of experience, I’ve found that all car glass is stamped with a DOT code, which is a standard from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Look for a small square on the edge of the windshield or side window, printed with numbers and dots. For example, ‘DOT123 AB123’—the number next to the dot indicates the year, and the number of dots represents the week. For instance, ·3 means the third week of 2013. Older glass tends to degrade, developing tiny cracks or yellowing, especially when exposed to intense sunlight or significant temperature changes, increasing the risk of damage. I recommend car owners inspect their glass every five years. If it’s over ten years old or has cracks, replace it promptly to ensure safety. A quick check during regular car washes can save major repair costs and prevent injuries from glass shattering in an accident. In short, understanding the age of your car glass isn’t just curiosity—it’s about driving stability and your family’s safety.

[VanRyder]

When I first bought my car, I was also curious about how to tell the age of the car glass. After searching online, I found it's quite simple: look for the small markings in the corner of the glass, usually starting with DOT codes. The year is indicated by dots (round or square) next to the code—the number of dots doesn't affect the judgment much. For example, '15·' means 2015. I often use a car app to scan and automatically identify it, which saves a lot of trouble. Aged glass not only affects appearance but also tends to fog or turn yellow, leading to poor light reflection during night driving. I check every two to three years, especially for used cars—if it's over eight years old, extra caution is needed. After making it a habit, I found my car's glass is still in good shape, but a friend's older car almost had an accident due to neglect. Maintaining glass is as important as changing oil.

[KarterAnn]

I find the determination of automotive glass age absolutely fascinating. As an auto enthusiast, I've delved into various coding systems: the DOT marking is crucial, with numbers to the left of the circular dot indicating the year and dots to the right representing weeks. For instance, ·2 dots would mean the second week of a particular year. Earlier systems used letters A through M to correspond with years, while current numeric codes are more intuitive. Different brands may have additional codes, requiring consultation of manuals or official websites. Aged glass doesn't just compromise safety; performance deteriorates with poor heat insulation and reduced strength. I frequently share insights on forums, reminding everyone to check not just aesthetics but also light transmittance tests when assessing glass age. For glass over a decade old, consider upgrading - it's both cost-effective and reassuring.