Where to Find the Vehicle Manufacturing Date?
2 Answers
Methods to check the vehicle manufacturing date are as follows: 1. Nameplate: Whether it's a new or used car, every vehicle has a nameplate indicating the manufacturing date, which clearly states the production date of the vehicle. 2. Check the glass dots: The number represents the year, for example, 7 stands for 2017. The month is determined by the dots. If the dots are after the number, it indicates the second half of the year, and the month can be calculated by subtracting the number of dots from 13. If the dots are before the number, subtract the number of dots from 7 to get the corresponding month. 3. The vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can also reveal the manufacturing date.
I've bought several cars myself, and experience tells me there are a few places to check for the vehicle's manufacturing date. One is the metal nameplate on the door frame, usually located on the door pillar on the driver's side, which is engraved with the manufacturing month and year, such as May 2023. Another is the vehicle registration certificate, also known as the driving license, where the second page has a section labeled 'Manufacturing Date' or 'Production Month/Year'. If you have the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), you can find it at the bottom left corner of the windshield—the 10th digit represents the year code, for example, L stands for 2020, and N for 2022; I can just download an app and input it to find out. Don’t forget the invoice from when the car was new—the sales record states the exact date. Knowing this information is super important, especially when buying a used car, as it can help you negotiate a better price or avoid flooded vehicles. In short, start by checking the door, and if you're unsure, take a photo and ask a mechanic friend.
