To find the exact color of your car, you typically need to locate the vehicle's paint code, which is found on a sticker or plate in specific areas of the vehicle.
Understanding your car's precise color is essential for tasks like purchasing touch-up paint, getting bodywork done, or detailing. Automotive paint colors often have unique names and codes that vary by manufacturer and year, ensuring an exact match is possible.
Where to Find Your Car's Paint Code
Manufacturers place labels containing the paint code in several common locations. Checking these spots will help you identify your car's specific color information.
Here are the primary places to look, based on common practices:
- Driver's Side Door Jam: This is one of the most frequent locations. Open the driver's side door and look on the pillar (the part of the car body the door latches to) or the edge of the door itself.
- Rear Driver's Side Door Jam: On vehicles with multiple doors, the rear driver's side door jam might also contain this information.
- Near the VIN Number in the Windshield: While the VIN plate is usually at the base of the windshield, the paint code isn't typically on the VIN plate itself, but information stickers containing codes might be located nearby on the dash.
- In the Glovebox: Look inside your glove compartment. Sometimes vehicle information stickers, including color codes, are placed inside the glovebox door or within the owner's manual booklet.
- Passenger Side Sun Visor: Less common, but some manufacturers place information labels on the back of the passenger side sun visor.
- Trunk Floor or Lid: Open your trunk and examine the underside of the trunk lid or the floor panel.
- Spare Tire Cover / Spare Tire Well: In the trunk, lift the floor mat to check the spare tire well or the cover itself.
Summary Table of Locations:
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver's Side Door Jam | Common spot on the B-pillar or door edge. |
| Rear Driver's Side Door Jam | Applicable for vehicles with rear doors. |
| Near the VIN in the Windshield | Look for stickers near the VIN plate. |
| Glovebox | Inside the glovebox or owner's manual. |
| Passenger Side Sun Visor | Check the back of the sun visor. |
| Trunk Floor or Lid | Underside of lid or on the trunk floor. |
| Spare Tire Cover / Well | In the spare tire compartment area. |
What to Look For
The label you find will contain various vehicle details. Look for a code specifically designated as the "Paint Code," "Color Code," or "Ext. Color" (for exterior color). This code is usually a combination of letters and numbers, often 2-4 characters long. The color name (e.g., "Black Sapphire Metallic," "Candy Apple Red") might also be listed alongside the code.
Once you have this code, you can use it to accurately identify and match your car's exact color for any repair or touch-up needs.
