Where can the manufacturing date of a car be found?
3 Answers
Cars can display their manufacturing date in the following locations: 1. Engine: Open the hood to see the engine, and the manufacturing date is usually located around the engine; 2. The lower left or right corner of the front windshield has a string of code called the VIN, where the 10th digit represents the production year code; 3. Open the right door, and the black plate below the B-pillar will indicate the production date. Similar to how people have ID numbers, cars also have a unique identification number, known as the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number, often referred to as the chassis number. This 17-digit code typically includes information about the car's manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle type, features, and more, including the production year.
Having been in the automotive industry for so many years, I've helped numerous friends locate manufacturing dates. The most common spot is the inner side of the driver's door frame—open the door and you'll see a small label with the production month/year and VIN code. The VIN is that 17-digit string, usually placed at the lower-left corner of the windshield or the left side of the dashboard; you can scan it with your phone, and free online decoders will reveal the year details. Always check this when buying a car, especially used ones, as the date affects warranty and resale value. There might also be a small plate at the front of the engine bay or firewall with production data. New car manuals or registration certificates clearly state this info. Last time I helped a neighbor buy a used car, we checked these spots to confirm the vehicle's age and avoid scams. Familiarizing yourself with these locations beforehand saves a lot of hassle.
I've worked in the automotive industry for several years and am accustomed to helping people with such details. The manufacturing date is hidden quite intuitively: The most straightforward method is checking the label on the inner door frame of the driver's side—just open the door to spot it. Alternatively, locate the VIN near the windshield; its 10th digit corresponds to the production year, which can be quickly identified using online tools. Key documents like registration papers provided by dealers during purchase will also list this date. Don’t overlook it during maintenance, as this date helps match correct parts and service intervals. For example, even the same model may have design tweaks across different production years—regularly verify labels to avoid mismatches. A simple trick: Snap a photo of the label and use online decoders; it takes just a minute or two.
