Where to Check the Manufacturing Date of a Car?
2 Answers
Locations to check the manufacturing date of a car include: 1. Vehicle identification number (VIN); 2. Vehicle nameplate; 3. User manual and related certificates; 4. Trademark on the windshield; 5. Below the B-pillar on the passenger side. The importance of the car's manufacturing date includes: 1. Determining recall vehicles in case of safety-related quality issues; 2. Depreciation valuation for car insurance based on the manufacturing date; 3. Differences in configuration and price for the same model in different years during used car valuation; 4. Determining the car's model year, as different model years may have varying configurations and part numbers; 5. Identifying whether a new car is from stock based on its manufacturing date.
I often get asked where to check the manufacturing date of a car, so I’ll share my insights. The easiest way is to look at the label on the B-pillar near the driver’s door—it clearly states the vehicle’s production year, month, and day. Another spot is the lower left corner of the windshield, where the 17-digit VIN is located. The 10th character indicates the year—for example, 'B' stands for 2011, and 'N' for 2023. The vehicle registration certificate and purchase invoice also contain this information, as does the back page of the owner’s manual. Sometimes, during maintenance at a 4S shop, I ask them to check the electronic records in their system. Knowing the manufacturing date is crucial—it helps avoid scams where old cars are sold as new and affects maintenance scheduling. In daily use, prioritize checking the door label or VIN; if those aren’t available, cross-reference the documents. Don’t underestimate this—getting it wrong can lead to hassles with repairs and part replacements.
