How to Identify Vehicle Production Date from Window Glass?
2 Answers
On the lower left or right corner of the vehicle's window glass, there is a coded plate. On the last row of this plate, you will find a number and black dots, which indicate the production date of the glass. Here are the details: 1. The number represents the production year, specifically the last digit of the year. If the black dots are before the number, it means the glass was produced in the first half of the year; if the dots are after the number, it was produced in the second half. 2. Sometimes, owners may notice inconsistencies in the production dates of the glass on their vehicles, such as different dates for the front and rear windshields. This is because parts are prepared in advance during vehicle assembly, but there's no guarantee they will be installed immediately. Having glass with different production dates on the same vehicle is normal, so minor discrepancies in timing are acceptable as long as the dates are not too far apart.
I recently researched the method of identifying the production date of car window glass and found it quite practical. There are usually small labels or imprints in the corners of the window, featuring a numbering system with dots. For example, a number followed by a dot like '6·'—the dot indicates the last digit of the year, and adding 6 could mean 2016. The number of dots after that represents the month or quarter—one dot could mean January or the first quarter. When checking, choose a clean corner, use a flashlight to illuminate the edge of the driver's side window, and examine it carefully. At first, I found it a bit complicated, but after practicing several times, I got the hang of it quickly. Knowing this date can help you determine the age of the car or whether the glass has been replaced—don’t underestimate it, as it’s super useful when buying a used car. However, keep in mind that the date only reflects the glass production and may not match the vehicle's manufacturing date—there could be a discrepancy.
