When you’ve been around car parts long enough, you’ll notice that many car parts use code numbers to display their unique traits. One of the most common examples of this is the series of numbers on the side of your tyres. But did you know that there’s such a thing as a windshield code?
That’s right! Look at the far corners of the laminated glass and you’ll see what’s referred to as the windscreen glass code or windshield monogram. That series of numbers and alphabets tell you everything you need to know about the glass, from the windscreen part number to the manufacturer’s name.
If you're like most people and no one's taught you about the windscreen monogram, then keep reading! By the end of this article, you'll learn how to read the code and how to use it to your advantage.
How Do I Identify My Windscreen Glass?
To identify your windscreen glass, you'll need to search for the windscreen monogram. That's a small section of the glass, typically towards the laminated glass's corners, almost hidden away. The monogram is the section of the glass where the manufacturer has printed all of the essential information.
Manufacturer Details on the Auto Glass
The first thing that you'll notice about the windscreen monogram is the manufacturer's details. That will usually be printed in the form of the company logo and name right at the top of the entire stamp.
Windscreen Glass Code
Below the manufacturer's name and logo, you’ll find the windscreen code. At first glance, the code looks like several lines with an indecipherable set of alphabets and numbers.
With proper understanding, you’ll see that each part of that code will communicate a different aspect of the laminated glass.
For example, a significant part of that code is the unique windscreen part number which helps you differentiate it from all the others produced by the same manufacturer. Beyond that, the code may indicate relevant safety ratings or credentials that apply to that particular windscreen as well.
Additional Info on the Windshield
The windshield monogram also shows plenty of additional logistical details. It typically includes when and where the windshield was manufactured and where that particular part number was distributed (e.g. throughout Europe).
How Do You Read a Windshield Code?
First of all, it’s important to note that there is no standardised pattern of displaying the entire windscreen glass code. So, you’ll notice some differences in the windshield monogram of two different cars.
Still, the following pieces of info imbedded in the code are almost universally used and presented among auto glass manufacturers. Here’s how you read them:
- Car Manufacturer: Right at the top, you should see the car manufacturer’s logo and name. Bear in mind that this is the logo for the car that the windshield is attached to, not necessarily the glass itself.
- Glass Manufacturer: Besides the car manufacturer, the code will also display the glass manufacturer’s name and logo. This is the company that supplies the windshield to the carmaker to use in the assembly process.
- Glass Brand Name: Windshield manufacturers may have unique brand names for that particular range of windshields. If they do, they’ll usually print the brand name as well.
- AS number: This stands for “American Standard”. The number that comes after “AS” will indicate the exact level of quality by American standards.
- M Number: Besides a glass brand name, the code should also include the M number or model number. That number is not universal, as each glass manufacturer might have its own M number.
- DOT Code: Even on some cars in Australia, you'll find American codes like these on the windshield. The DOT code is the Department of Transportation code, a requirement for windscreens used in the US.
- E Code: The E code indicates in which country the windscreen was certified as assigned by the United Nations Economic Commission of Europe. If it was certified in Australia, the code would be E45.
- Production Date: Some windshield codes will include the production date, i.e. the month and year when the glass was manufactured.
Again, your windshield may have more or fewer codes than the ones listed above. That's because they're not entirely universal so that different manufacturers may print the windscreen glass code with a slight variation.
How Does the Code Help When Replacing My Car Windshield?
Most people may assume that the windscreen glass code is not very important, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Suppose there ever was a situation when you’d need to repair or replace your car windshield, it would be the monogram that you should pay attention to. That code could protect you from windshield-related scams and other problems.
These days, all you have to do is take a picture of the windshield code with phone. Here’s how the code helps you:
- Enables you to verify that the installer put in the exact windshield that you’re paying for instead of giving you something that’s of inferior quality.
- Allows you to verify with the manufacturer to determine if your replacement windshield is authentic or counterfeit. Yes, counterfeit windscreens do exist!
- Ensures that your windscreen is indeed yours and hasn’t been switched out with something else.
Bottom line? Think of the windscreen glass code as the ‘fingerprint’ of your windshield. If you know how to read it, you’ll be able to tell who made it, where it came from, and where it’s been certified.
In short, the windscreen glass code tells you the entire origin story of the laminated glass you have or need to buy.
If you’re looking for qualified windscreen suppliers, repairers, or installers near you, please check out our directory at Carpart.com.au. Now, if you need a windshield replacement, you can locate sellers using our Car Part finding tool.
Simply fill out our online request form here to provide us the details and windscreen code, and our system will automatically notify reputable car part sellers all over the country! You will then start receiving quotes from those who have the part you need. Easy peasy!
By Ray Hasbollah