In this comprehensive article, we'll guide you through the process of locating your car's paint code with precision and ease.
Understanding paint codes and their importance in automotive maintenance is crucial for achieving a seamless paint job. We will delve into the details of paint codes, their formats by brand, and how to find them for various car manufacturers.
With our expert guidance and informative resources, you'll be well-equipped to unlock the secret to a perfect paint match.
What Is a Paint Code?
A paint code is a unique identifier car manufacturers assign to each color used in their vehicles. It typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers, which can be found on a sticker or plate at various locations of your car. Paint codes are crucial in color matching, ensuring that touch-ups or repainting jobs seamlessly blend with the original paintwork.
In most situations, you won't need to use a paint code finder to look for the exact color of your car. All you have to do is provide the VIN number to match its color. However, if you cannot find your car's paint code and VIN, professionals can still match the paint using advanced color-matching technology.
Where Can I Find My Paint Code?
Discovering the location of your vehicle's paint code is crucial for a seamless color match. In this section, we'll explore the most common places where you can find your paint code, making the search process a breeze.
Driver's Side Door Jamb or Door Hinge
One of the most frequent locations for paint codes is on the driver's side door jamb or door Hinge. Open the door and inspect the area for a sticker or plate containing information about your car, including the paint code.
Under the Hood or Engine Compartment
Another common place to find paint codes is within the engine compartment. Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate with the paint code.
Glove Box or Center Console
Some manufacturers place the paint code inside the glove box or on a sticker within the center console. Open these compartments and thoroughly examine them for the paint code.
Trunk Lid or Spare Tire Compartment
You might also find the paint code on a sticker or plate located on the trunk lid or near the spare tire in the trunk.
Remember, the exact location of the paint code may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. Consult your owner's manual or contact your car's manufacturer or dealership for the most accurate information. Sometimes, the paint code might be embedded in the VIN number, allowing you to find the color code by VIN number.
With this knowledge, you're ready to locate your paint code and achieve the perfect paint match for your vehicle.
Car Paint Codes by Manufacturer
While mentioning every car brand is not feasible, we will provide information on some of the most popular ones. However, keep in mind that the paint code location may vary even within a specific brand, so always consult your owner's manual or contact your car's manufacturer or dealership for the most accurate information.
Here’s where you can find the paint code of the most popular car manufacturers:
Manufacturer | Paint Code Location |
Audi | Audi paint codes are usually located on the driver's side door jamb, in the trunk, or under the hood. |
BMW | BMW paint codes are typically located on the driver's side door jamb, the left side of the engine compartment, or the passenger side strut tower. |
Chevrolet (GM) | GM paint codes are usually on the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the glove box. |
Ford​ | Ford paint codes can often be found on the driver's side door jamb, the engine compartment, or the radiator support. |
Honda​ | Honda paint codes are usually located on the driver's side door jamb, a sticker, or a plate. |
Hyundai | Hyundai paint codes are located on the driver's side door jamb, engine compartment, or firewall. |
Jeep | Jeep paint codes are typically on the driver's side door jamb or engine compartment. |
Kia | Kia paint codes can be found on the driver's side door jamb or in the engine compartment on a sticker or plate in the engine compartment. |
Mazda | Mazda paint codes are typically on the driver's side door jamb or engine compartment. |
Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes paint codes can be found on the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk near the spare tire. |
Nissan | Nissan paint codes can generally be found on the driver's side door jamb or in the engine compartment. |
Subaru | Subaru paint code locations include the driver's side door jamb or under the hood on the strut tower, firewall, or radiator support. |
Toyota | Toyota paint codes can typically be found on the driver's side door jamb or in the engine compartment on a sticker or plate. |
Volkswagen | Volkswagen paint codes can be located on the driver's side door jamb, in the trunk, or under the hood on a sticker or plate. |
Volvo | Volvo paint codes can be found on the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk. |
Paint Code Formats
Like the location of your paint code, the format of the code varies depending on your manufacturer. Below is a list of the vehicle makes and their paint code formats:
Acura: NH-XXXX
Alfa Romeo: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Audi: May be 2-4 numbers long and can include letters
BMW: Three numbers
Buick: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Cadillac: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Chevrolet: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Chrysler: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Dodge: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Fiat: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Ford: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
GMC: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Honda: NHXXXX or YRXXXXX
Hummer: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Hyundai: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Infiniti: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, may be fourth digit after a space
Isuzu: Three digits with numbers
Jeep: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. Older Jeeps may be two digits long.
Kia: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Lexus: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR
Lincoln: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Mazda: Two or three digits with numbers and/or letters
Mercedez Benz: DB-XXX
Mini: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Mitsubishi: NH-XXXX
Nissan: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Pontiac: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Porsche: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Scion: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR
Subaru: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Suzuki: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Toyota: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR
Volkswagen: Two to four digits with numbers and/or letters
Volvo: Three digits with numbers
Frequently Asked Paint Code Questions
How to match car paint without code?
If you can find your VIN number, companies like Painted OEM Parts can match your vehicle's original paint color without a paint code.
Is it possible to match my car's paint without the paint code?
Unlocking the Secret to a Flawless Finish
Finding your car's paint code is essential for achieving a flawless paint match during touch-ups or repainting. By understanding the significance of paint codes and familiarizing yourself with their common locations, you can maintain your vehicle's appearance and protect its resale value.
Ready to match your car's paint?
At Painted OEM Parts, we can match your vehicle’s factory paint color with your vehicle's paint code or VIN.
If you can't find any of those, don't fret! We can also match your vehicle's paint, even if it's a custom color. Send us a piece of your car, and we'll do the rest! Contact us today, and we'll assist you with your concern.