You can easily cover any scratches or stains on your car body by touching them up with your car's original paint color. To obtain a perfectly identical color, look for the color code indicated on the information sticker inside the vehicle. You can also determine the color code by locating the Vehicle Information Number (VIN), a serial number that can be found in the documentation for your car. Give your color code or VIN to an auto paint dealer to get a paint exactly like the original one.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Find the color code in the car
Step 1. Look for the car information sticker
Since the 1980s, most cars have had a sticker with identifying information on the inside. Typically, this sticker has a barcode on it and shows your vehicle's make, date and country of manufacture, and other useful information. Check your car manual to find out where it is or look for it:
- on the inside of your door jamb;
- on the inside of your door;
- on the interior dashboard, driver's side;
- under the hood at the front of the engine;
- in the rear wheel arch, directly above the tire.
Step 2. Look for the color codes on the information label
On certain vehicles, the body paint color codes are clearly marked "VIN". Browse the sticker information to find the codes specifically listed for the paint or color. These codes can be separated into body color and trim color, which are sometimes different.
The number of letters or numbers in specific color codes varies among manufacturers
Step 3. Look for a "C" code
On some vehicles, paint color codes are identified by an abbreviation or shorthand. If you don't see the words "paint" or "color," look for the letter "C" which usually indicates color. You may also see the abbreviation "Tr" (for Trim) indicating the color of your car's trim.
Method 2 of 2: Find your car's VIN
Step 1. Look for the 17 character VIN on your vehicle papers
Vehicle papers are the legal document you receive with the purchase of a car that designates you as the owner. This document contains important information, such as the make, year of manufacture or the current registration number. Look in your car papers for a code with a combination of 17 letters and numbers.
If your car was produced before 1980, your VIN may have fewer characters
Step 2. Take a look at the registration certificate
The registration certificate is proof that your vehicle is yours and that it is registered in your name. This document contains information about the driver and the car, including the make and model of the vehicle as well as the year of manufacture. Look for the VIN right after this information.
A car must be registered before it can be driven on public roads
Step 3. Check your insurance papers
When you insure your vehicle, you must provide information about it to the insurance company. For this reason, your VIN should appear on your insurance policy and may appear on documents you receive by mail. Look in your insurance papers for the 17-character vehicle identification number.
If you can't find your papers, contact your insurer for help
Step 4. Search your repair records
Knowing your car's VIN allows mechanics to find precise details of how it was made and the parts used to build it. Check any receipts and repair records you may have to find the VIN. This number may be written on these documents for reference.
You should keep a copy of your car repair records to prove that you have done what it takes to keep it in good condition if you ever want to sell it later
Step 5. Contact your dealer or the manufacturer of your car
Your VIN contains enough identifying information about your vehicle to enable you to find its specific color code. Call or email your car dealership or manufacturer to ask if they can provide you with the color code for your model. Give him your full VIN and any other details requested, such as your name and contact details.
Advice
- Keep your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) somewhere outside of your vehicle for quick access in case of emergencies.
- For best results, wash your car before applying a new coat of paint.
- Search the Internet for automotive paint databases to find the color code for your vehicle.