Find Your Paint Code
How To Find Your Car's Paint Code: Complete Guide
When it comes to repairing scratches, touching up chips, or respraying panels, matching your car’s original paint color is essential. The easiest way to ensure a perfect match is by finding your car’s paint code.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to find your car’s paint code, explain why it matters, and provide images to help you locate it quickly.
What is a Car Paint Code?
A paint code is a unique sequence of letters and numbers assigned by the manufacturer to identify your car’s exact paint color. Even if two cars look like the same shade of silver or red, the underlying formula may differ. Using the paint code ensures the touch-up paint or respray matches perfectly.
Where to Find Your Car’s Paint Code
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the paint code can usually be found in several common places:
1. Driver’s Side Door Jamb
Check the inside of the driver’s door or the door frame. Look for a sticker or plate with vehicle information. The paint code is often listed as “Paint,” “Color,” or “Ext. PNT.”
2. Under the Hood
Many manufacturers place the paint code on a metal plate or sticker inside the engine bay often on the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support.
3. Trunk or Spare Tire Area
Some cars (especially European brands) place the paint code sticker inside the trunk, under the carpet, or near the spare tire well.
4. Glove Box or Owner’s Manual
Certain manufacturers (e.g., GM, Hyundai) may list the paint code on a label inside the glove compartment. If not, your owner’s manual may tell you where to look.
Common Paint Code Locations by Brand
-
Ford – Driver’s door jamb (label shows “EXT PNT”).
-
Toyota – Driver’s door jamb or under the hood (metal plate).
-
BMW – Strut tower or under the hood.
-
Volkswagen / Audi – In the trunk near the spare tire.
-
Honda – Door jamb or under the hood.
Can’t Find Your Paint Code?
If you can’t locate the code on your car:
-
Call your dealer with your VIN number they can look it up.
-
Search online databases for your vehicle make and model.
-
Professional body shops can scan your car with a paint spectrometer to get a perfect match.
Why Using the Correct Paint Code Matters
Using the wrong shade can make repairs obvious and reduce your car’s value. By matching your car’s exact paint code, you’ll:
-
Ensure seamless touch-ups and resprays.
-
Maintain your car’s original look.
-
Protect resale value.
Final Thoughts
Finding your car’s paint code is simple once you know where to look. Whether it’s on the door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk, that small code ensures a big difference in keeping your car looking flawless.
SEO Optimization Built In:
-
Keywords: “find your car’s paint code,” “car paint code location,” “touch up paint match,” “where is my paint code.”
Unable to find the information you need? Please contact us via our live chat or email us - we are here to help!
Email: info@rapidpaints.co.uk