Which digit in the engine number indicates the production date?
2 Answers
Engine number indicates the production date. Generally, the tenth digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) located under the front windshield represents the production date of the vehicle. Each vehicle has a unique VIN, but the production date can always be identified. Here is some information about the engine number: 1. The engine number is the unique identifier of the engine, and each engine has a different number: Typically, the engine number consists of a head, middle, rear, and tail section, representing product codes, cylinder count, manufacturing information, structural features, etc. 2. Location of the engine number: The engine number is usually found below the spark plug on the engine. Some models may have it engraved on the engine compartment's nameplate. For the exact location, you can consult the staff at a 4S store or refer to the vehicle's factory manual.
I was quite curious about this question when I last bought a car, so I specifically asked a friend at the repair shop. Actually, on most cars, the engine number itself doesn't directly include the production date; it's a serial number used to identify the engine model and sequence. However, the production date is generally found through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is that 17-digit code at the lower left of the windshield. If you're referring to the VIN, the 10th digit indicates the production year—for example, the letter P stands for 2023, and R stands for 2024. You can find the specific correspondence table by searching online for a VIN decoder tool. Back then, I used a mobile app to look it up, and it was simple and accurate—plus, it was free! The engine number is mainly used to track warranty or maintenance records, while the production date is more reliably found through the VIN. Developing the habit of checking records is also good for maintaining vehicle safety and avoiding buying problematic cars.
