Where do you find the paint color on your car?
Whether you're touching up a scratch, repainting a panel, or customizing your vehicle, knowing your car's exact paint color code is essential. This code ensures you get a perfect match for your car's original color. But where can you find it? Let’s explore the common locations and tips for identifying your car’s paint color code.
What Is a Paint Color Code?
A paint color code is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to specify the exact shade, finish, and formulation of your car's paint. This code is crucial for achieving a seamless match when repainting or repairing your vehicle. It’s typically a combination of letters and numbers.
Common Locations for the Paint Color Code
Car manufacturers place the paint color code in specific areas of the vehicle. Here are the most common locations to check:
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Open the driver’s side door and look for a sticker or plate on the door frame or the door itself. This label often includes the paint code along with other vehicle information like the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Under the Hood: Check the underside of the hood or near the engine bay. Some manufacturers place the paint code on a metal plate or sticker in this area.
- Trunk or Spare Tire Compartment: Lift the trunk lid or check inside the spare tire well. A sticker or plate with the paint code may be located here.
- Owner’s Manual: If you can’t find the code on the car itself, consult the owner’s manual. It may provide details on where the paint code is located or list it directly.
How to Identify the Paint Code
Once you locate the label or plate, look for a section labeled “Paint,” “Color Code,” or something similar. The code may be a short alphanumeric sequence, such as “PXR” or “NH-731P.” If you’re unsure, you can always consult your dealership or a professional auto service like Kevin’s Autos for assistance.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the Paint Code
If you’ve checked all the common locations and still can’t find the paint code, don’t worry. Here are some additional steps you can take:
- Contact the Manufacturer: Provide your VIN to the manufacturer’s customer service team, and they can often provide the paint code.
- Visit a Professional Auto Shop: At Kevin’s Autos, we have the tools and expertise to help you identify your car’s paint color and provide the perfect match for your needs.
- Use a Paint Matching Service: Some auto paint suppliers offer color-matching services using advanced technology to scan your car’s paint and determine the exact shade.
Conclusion
Finding your car’s paint color code is a straightforward process if you know where to look. By checking the driver’s side door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk, you can usually locate the code quickly. If all else fails, professional services like Kevin’s Autos are here to help. With the right paint code in hand, you can ensure your car looks as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VIN number tell paint color?
Your car's VIN gives you a lot of information about your vehicle, but it won't give you your paint code to find your car's touch up paint. So, where can you go to find automotive paint color? Most vehicles have paint codes listed inside the driver's door jamb.
How do I check the paint job on my car?
5 Ways to Tell if a Car Has Been Repainted
- Inconsistent Paint Texture and Color. One of the most perceptible signs of a repaint is a difference in paint texture and color.
- Overspray and Paint Lines.
- Mismatched Panels.
- Presence of Masking Tape Lines.
- Inconsistent Paint Quality.
Can my VIN tell me my paint code?
You can't. The colour code is not part of the VIN on any vehicle. The manufacturers plate in the door jamb does have both the VIN and the 2 digit factory paint code.
Is there a database for car paint?
PDQ (Paint Data Query) is a database that uses records of automotive paint samples that have been analyzed to identify the subject vehicle's manufacturer, make, model, and year.
How do I find the paint code for my car?
The paint code is sometimes printed near the VIN number, although you may need to look for it separately. Common paint code locations include the driver's side door jamb, in the boot and under the bonnet.
How to find the paint color of your car?
Where to Find the Paint Code for Your Car. Car color codes are most easily found on your vehicle information sticker, usually located on your dash, in the trunk, or inside your door jamb.
Can I find paint color by VIN number?
You can call your dealer, give them your VIN, and ask for the paint code. Another option is searching for paint codes online by using your VIN. Though your VIN won't give you your car's exact paint code or color, it's a tool that will help you find it.
How do I identify a paint color?
Use a color-matching tool like the Nix Mini 2 or Datacolor ColorReader EZ. Both use a small portable sensor in tandem with an app to identify the closest known paint color match for pretty much any object or surface in your home. Many paint companies and home improvement stores offer mobile apps to help match paint.
How to match car paint color?
Start by obtaining the paint code – this is a unique code that identifies the colour of your vehicle. You can find this code on a sticker located in the driver's side door jamb, on the firewall under the hood, or in the glove box. Make sure you have the correct paint code for your vehicle's exact colour.
Where is the paint code normally located on a car?
The most popular location is in the drivers side door jamb. You may also find the code located in the glovebox, in the trunk on the decklid, or in the spare tire well. The code is typically 4 characters long and usually follows either the letter U or the letters WA. For the example shown, the paint code would be U8624.
