Discovering Your Car's Exact Color

Whether you need to touch up some paintwork or you are just curious, knowing the exact color of your car can be more complex than just "red" or "blue." Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find the precise color code of your vehicle.

1. Check Your Car's VIN

Your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier. While the VIN itself does not specify color, it can be used to look up the necessary details in a database or at a dealership.

2. Locate the Color Code on the Car

Most cars have a color code located in specific areas:

Door Jamb: The driver's side door when opened will often have a sticker or plate with information.
Under the Hood: Check around the edges or on the back of the engine bay for a plaque.
Trunk: Lift the trunk lid and look under the lid or on the base where the spare tire is stored.
Glove Box: Open the glove box to check if there’s any label inside.

Look for words like "Paint" or "Color" followed by a series of letters and numbers. This is your color code.

3. Use Online Tools

If you have your VIN, several online tools and websites allow you to input the VIN and retrieve the color code and other manufactured details:

Manufacturer’s Website: Head to the car manufacturer’s official website. They often provide a VIN decoding section.
Third-Party Websites: Websites like vindecoder.net can also decode your VIN to provide vehicle details, including the color code.

4. Contact Dealership or Manufacturer

If online tools do not help, or you prefer a more straightforward way, calling or visiting a dealership can be beneficial. Provide the VIN, and they can look up your vehicle’s specifications including the exact color code.

5. Paint Stores

Specialty automotive paint stores are also adept at finding your car’s color. They can analyze the paint if a sample is provided or look up the code with the car model and year.