How to Know the Manufacturing Date of a New Car?
4 Answers
To know the manufacturing date of a new car, you can follow these methods: 1. Open the co-driver's door, and you will find the manufacturing date marked below; 2. When picking up the car, there is a certificate of conformity that contains detailed dates and vehicle manufacturing information; 3. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the engine cover, the right front door edge, or under the windshield—the 10th digit of the VIN indicates the model year; 4. Every car has a nameplate that specifically marks the vehicle's identity records, which can be directly checked. Most nameplates are located in the engine compartment; 5. For vehicles without a date nameplate, the production year can be determined through the VIN, as the globally unified numbering ensures no duplicates within 30 years.
Experience tells me that finding out the manufacturing date of a new car is quite simple, mainly by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is usually engraved on the lower left corner of the windshield or on the driver's door frame. The VIN is a 17-digit code, and the 10th letter or number represents the year. For example, 'L' stands for 2021, and you can find the specific table online. When I buy a car, I always take a photo of the VIN and input it into a free decoding website to check the production month and year—it's quick and convenient. Salespeople also keep the factory certificate or invoice on hand, so it's easy to ask them directly for the date data. The manufacturing date affects the warranty start time and the car's resale value. If a car has been in stock for too long, it might get a higher discount but could lack parts, so I pay extra attention to avoid such situations. It's best to start using a new car as soon as possible after it leaves the factory to keep the engine properly lubricated. Leaving it unused for too long might affect the battery life and increase maintenance costs. In short, using the VIN to check saves time and effort.
I usually check the manufacturing date of a new car by referring to the documents. The invoice, warranty card, or vehicle certification received at the time of purchase always clearly states the production date, usually in a year-month-day format that's easy to read. The door jamb label also contains manufacturing information—a small sticker near the handle indicates the month and year, making it quick to check. You can also quickly find the date by entering the VIN online; scanning it with a phone using the official website tool yields instant results. The manufacturing date determines the first maintenance schedule—for example, the factory might recommend the first service at six months or 5,000 kilometers. Knowing it early allows you to schedule maintenance in advance. Don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson—they can pull up the records for you. I advise new buyers to clarify the manufacturing date upfront to avoid delays that could lead to minor issues piling up. Staying informed about these small details helps save money and time. I make it a habit to keep the documents handy for quick reference.
For car enthusiasts, the quickest way to check a new car's production date is by decoding the VIN. The 17-digit identification code has the 10th character as the year code, which starts from A representing 2010 (skipping I and O) and increments accordingly. Enter the full 17-digit code on a free online query site to instantly display the manufacturing plant and year/month. Physical inspection locations on the car, such as small plates under the hood or stickers on door pillars, also mark the production date. Knowing the exact date ensures part compatibility when selecting accessories or upgrades, avoiding model conflicts and saving costs. This simple step prevents future rework hassles—I find it quite useful.
