How to Identify if a Car is a Stock Vehicle?

[StAdriel]

To determine whether a car is a stock vehicle, follow these methods: 1. Check the vehicle nameplate: The nameplate is usually located below the B-pillar on the passenger side and is easy to find. The nameplate displays basic vehicle information, including the manufacturer, model, engine power, total weight, load capacity or passenger count, production number, production date, and manufacturer name. First, look at the manufacturing date. If the manufacturing date is within three months of your purchase date, it is not a stock vehicle. If it exceeds three months, it can generally be considered a stock vehicle. 2. Inspect tire wear and production date: Generally, new car tires show minimal wear. The tread hairs on the tire sidewalls should be clearly visible. If you notice the absence of tread hairs, be cautious. Next, check the tire production date. The sidewall has a series of numbers, such as 0717. The latter two digits (17) represent the production year, and the first two digits (07) represent the week, meaning the tire was produced in the seventh week of 2017. This allows you to calculate the production date as mid-February 2017. Compare this with the vehicle's production date on the nameplate. If they are close, it indicates the car is not a stock vehicle. A significant time gap warrants attention. 3. Examine the exhaust pipe interior: Insert a finger into the exhaust pipe. If it comes out clean, the car is new. If dirty, be cautious. A new car's exhaust pipe should not be dirty. Note that the odometer reading should not be the primary reference. 4. Inspect the engine compartment: Open the hood and check the engine compartment. A thick layer of dust or oil stains suggests prolonged storage or excessive mileage. Also, inspect components for deformation, discoloration, alignment, or signs of removal. 5. Check for aging or detached rubber parts: Open the doors and trunk lid to inspect seals and other rubber components. If seals are loose or aged, the car has been stored for too long. If the seals show no signs of replacement, the car is likely new. 6. Inspect the foot pedals: Open the doors and carefully examine each pedal. Excessive wear or dust in the gaps may indicate the car was a test-drive vehicle or stock car. Clean pedals suggest a new car.