Where Can I Find the Paint Code for My Car

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You can easily cover scratches or spots on your vehicle by touching them up with your car's original paint color. To match this paint color exactly, look for the color code listed on the vehicle information sticker in your car. Alternatively, you can figure out your car's color code by finding the vehicle information number (VIN), a serial number that can be found through documentation related to your vehicle. Provide your car color code or VIN to a paint vendor to obtain an exact match for your car's paint.

1. 1

   Find the automobile information sticker inside your car. Since the 1980s, most cars feature a sticker that outlines identifying information about the vehicle. This sticker usually includes a bar code and lists the make of your car, the date and country of manufacture, and other relevant information. Look at your car manual to see where the information sticker can be found in your car, or look for it:^[1]

   • On the inside of your door jamb
   • On the inside of your car door
   • On the driver side interior dash^[2]
   • Under the hood at the front of the engine
   • In the rear wheel well, directly above the tire

2. 2

   Look for the exterior paint color codes on the information sticker. In some vehicles, the codes for your car's paint colors will be clearly labelled "VIN". Scan through the information on the sticker to find codes specifically listed for paint or color. These codes may be separated into the body color and trim color, which are sometimes different.^[3]

   • The number of letters or numbers in the specific color codes will vary between manufacturers.

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3. 3

   Look for a "C" code if you don't see the words "paint" or "color." In some vehicles, the paint color codes will be identified only with an abbreviation or shorthand. Look for the letter "C" which usually indicates color. You may also see the abbreviation "Tr" indicating the color of the trim on your car.^[4]

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1. 1

   Look for the 17-character VIN on your vehicle title. Your vehicle title is the legal document you receive when purchasing a car that lists you as its owner. This document will feature important information about your car, such as the make, year of manufacture, and current license plate number.^[5] Locate your vehicle title and look for a code with a combination of 17 letters and numbers.^[6]

   • There may be fewer characters in your VIN if your vehicle was manufactured before 1981.

2. 2

   Get the VIN from your vehicle registration certificate. Your registration certificate is proof that your vehicle is owned by you and registered to you. This document features information about the driver and the car, including the make and model of the vehicle and the year it was manufactured. Look for the VIN right after these other car details.^[7]

   • A car must be registered before it can be driven on public roads.

3. 3

   Check your insurance papers to see if your VIN is listed. When you insure your vehicle, you have to provide information about it to the insurance company. As such, your VIN should be listed on your insurance policy and may appear on insurance documents that you receive by mail. Check your automobile insurance papers to look for the 17 character VIN.^[8]

   • Contact your insurance company for assistance if you can't find your paperwork.

4. 4

   Search your car repair records if you have had work done. Knowing your car's VIN allows mechanics to find out precise details about how it was manufactured and what parts were used to build it. Check any repair receipts and records you may have to look for the VIN. The number may be written on these documents for reference.^[9]

   • You should keep copies of your car repair records to prove that you have done your part to keep your vehicle in good shape if you eventually want to sell it.

5. 5

   Contact your car dealership or manufacturer to decode your VIN. Your VIN contains enough identifying information about your vehicle to track down its specific color code.^[10] Call or email your car dealership or manufacturer and ask them if they can provide you with your car color code. Provide your complete VIN as well as any other details they request, such as your name and contact information.

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• Question

  How do I match the paint color on my car?

  

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Once you find the color code, visit your auto body shop. They can use the code to pick out a paint that matches the color of your car, and can make adjustments if the match isn't exact.

• Question

  What color is my Ford?

  

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  To find the color code for your Ford, look at the door jamb on the driver's side. You should find an information label there. The color code should look like 2 characters (letters or numbers) followed by a / and a longer string of letters and numbers.

• Question

  What is the hardest color to match on a car?

  

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Silver and metallic paints are the most difficult to match, since it's hard to achieve the same level of metallic shine when mixing up new paint.

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• Consider storing your VIN somewhere outside of your vehicle to have quick access to it in emergency situations.

• For the best results, wash your car before touching it up with paint.

• Search online for car paint databases to find the right car color code for your vehicle.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

You can find a car color code by reading the vehicle information sticker inside the car. If the car requires touch-ups or repair work, you'll need the color code to determine the exact paint color. To locate the vehicle information sticker, try looking on the inside of the door jamb, on the inside of the car door, or on the driver's side interior dash. Once you have found the sticker, find the label "VIN" to get the color code for the car. Sometimes the codes will be separated into the body color and the trim color. If you can't find the "VIN" label, look for a "C" code instead. This indicates color and will state the car color code. To decode the car color code, contact your car dealership or manufacturer. For more information about finding a car color code, like how to find your car's vehicle identification number, read on!

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Where Can I Find the Paint Code for My Car

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Car-Color-Code

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