Where to Check the Vehicle Manufacturing Date?
2 Answers
You can check the vehicle manufacturing date on the vehicle's nameplate, which is mostly located on the firewall, the radiator support, or near the front windshield. All information on the manufacturing nameplate is printed at once and cannot be altered unless the entire nameplate is replaced. The vehicle nameplate is a plate that indicates the basic characteristics of the vehicle, including the brand, model, engine power, total weight, load capacity or passenger capacity, manufacturing number, manufacturing date, and manufacturer name. Additionally, a vehicle has an identity number, known as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), commonly referred to as the chassis number. This 17-digit number typically contains various information about the vehicle, such as the manufacturing plant, country of origin, vehicle type, and specific features.
Do you want to know how to find your car's manufacturing date? As a frequent driver, I have plenty of experience to share. The most common method is checking the small metal plate on the door frame—open the driver's door, and you'll find a label on the inner side, usually printed with the manufacturing year, month, and date. Another spot is under the hood; lift it and look for a metal tag or sticker near the front bulkhead, which also clearly states the production date. In the lower left or right corner of the windshield, there's a 17-digit VIN code—the 10th character indicates the year, like 'E' for 2014, but you'll need a decoding chart to check. Of course, the vehicle registration certificate and driver's license clearly print the manufacturing date for easy daily verification. After driving my own car for years, I've gotten used to noting these details, especially when buying used cars to avoid older models being passed off as new. Regular inspections and maintenance rely on the manufacturing date to avoid missing critical service intervals, ensuring a safer drive.