How to determine the color of a car: from VIN code to visual analysis

If you need to accurately determine the color of a vehicle for paint matching, paperwork, or pre-purchase inspection, start with the factory markings. On most cars the original color is indicated in VIN code (positions 8–10) or on plate with body number, which is mounted under the hood, on the door pillar or in the trunk. For example, at Toyota Corolla 2020 code 1G3 corresponds to the color “Super White Pearl”, and Volkswagen Golf — Q7Q7 stands for "Black Pearl". But not all manufacturers adhere to the same standard: BMW color can be encrypted in a separate field Farbcode, and Kia/Hyundai - in the format XXX/XXXC, where the second part indicates the hue.

The problem is that even the factory data does not always coincide with the actual color: the car could have been repainted, and the PTS or STS sometimes indicate generic names (for example, “blue” instead of “Metallic Blue Sapphire”). In such cases, you will have to combine methods - from decryption paint code before visual comparison with catalogs RAL or Pantone. Below we will analyze all the methods - from the most reliable to the auxiliary ones, and also tell you how to avoid mistakes when choosing a shade for local repairs.

1. Decoding the VIN code: where to look and how to read

The VIN is a 17-digit vehicle identifier, where the color is usually encoded in characters 8 to 10 (for most brands). To find VIN:

• 🔍 Look at windshield on the driver's side - the code is stamped at the bottom at the base.
• 🚗 Open driver's door: The VIN sticker is often located on the pillar or sill.
• 🔧 Look under the hood - on some models (for example, Ford or Nissan) The VIN is duplicated on the body plate next to the engine.

You can decipher the color by VIN using online services:

• 🌐 VIN decoder "Behind the Wheel" — supports Russian and European brands.
• 🌐 VinDecoderz — databases for Toyota, Honda, BMW.
• 🌐 VINCheck - suitable for American cars (Chevrolet, Ford).

⚠️ Attention: If the VIN decoder gives an error or the color does not match the real one, the car may have been repainted. In this case, check the body number (see section 2).

2. Body number and nameplate: where to look for the paint code

On most vehicles the original color is indicated on plate with body number (aka build plate or data plate). The location of the plate depends on the brand:

Car make	Typical sign placement	Example color code
Toyota, Lexus	Under the hood (on the body near the radiator) or on the driver's door pillar	1G3 (Super White Pearlescent), 8N8 (Dark Gray Metallic)
Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda	In the trunk (under the spare wheel) or on the threshold of the driver's door	Q7Q7 (Black Pearl), L5L5 (Atlantic Blue)
BMW, Mini	On the driver's door pillar or under the hood (right)	300 (Alpine White), 475 (Sapphire Black)
Kia, Hyundai	On the B-pillar (driver's side) or under the hood	U5G/UCG (Silver Metallic, where UCG - shade)
Ford, Mazda	On the threshold of the driver's door or in the glove compartment	M7002 (Deep Blue Metallic)

On the sign look for inscriptions like Color, Paint, Farbe (for German cars) or Color. If the code consists of two parts (for example, 8N8/8N8C), the second may indicate the type of paint (C - metallic, M - matte).

3. Visual inspection: how to distinguish the original color from repainting

If documents and plates are missing or in doubt, inspect the machine in daylight. The original paint usually has a uniform shade, and repainted areas can be identified by the following signs:

• 🔦 Difference in Shine: factory paint has a uniform gloss, but after local repairs there may be matte or too shiny areas.
• 🎨 Uneven transitions: at the junctions of parts (for example, between the hood and the fender), when repainting, a border of shades is often visible.
• 🔍 Microcracks: old layers of paint crack under the new coating, especially on plastic parts (bumpers, moldings).
• 🧲 Magnetic test: bring the magnet to the body. If it does not stick, there may be putty under the paint (a sign of repair).

For an accurate visual comparison, use color catalogs:

• 📖 RAL Classic - standard for European cars (for example, RAL 9005 - Deep Black).
• 📖 Pantone — a universal system for selecting shades (used in car services).
• 📖 DuPont or PPG — catalogs of car enamels with manufacturer codes.

⚠️ Attention: Color may be distorted due to lighting. To check use lamps with color temperature 5000–6500K (daylight) and avoid yellow LED or fluorescent lamps.

4. Document verification: PTS, STS and insurance

In Russian documents, the color of the car is indicated in the following fields:

• 📄 PTS (vehicle passport): item 5 “Body color” (for example, “White”, “Metallic Blue”).
• 📄 STS (registration certificate): column 4 “Color” (often abbreviated as “Ser.met.”).
• 📄 OSAGO/CASCO policy: the color is specified in the “Vehicle Details” section.

However, documents often indicate generic names (for example, “green” instead of “Emerald Metallic”), which complicates the selection of paint. If the data in the PTS and STS diverges, rely on body plate - she is more precise.

Examples of decoding colors in PTS

What does "Cor.met" mean? in STS? → "Metallic brown".

"Ser.pearl." → "Pearl gray".

"Black mat." → "Matt black".

If the documents simply indicate “Blue”, but the car is actually “Blue Sapphire Metallic”, this is not a mistake - the title is often written in a simplified manner.

5. Online services for determining color from photos

If you have a photo of a car, you can use specialized services for color recognition:

• 🌐 ColorCode Hex — upload a photo, select an area of the body and receive a code in the format HEX (for example, #1E3D58 for dark blue).
• 🌐 ImageColorPicker — allows you to select a pixel in the image and show its color in RAL, Pantone or CMYK.
• 📱 Apps for smartphones: Color Grab (Android/iOS) or Adobe Capture — scan the color from the camera and give the closest analogues.

The accuracy of such services is about 80–90%, but they do not take into account:

• 🔆 Lighting in the photo (shadow, sun, artificial light distort the shade).
• 📸 Camera settings (white balance, contrast).
• 🎨 Paint texture (you can’t tell the difference between metallic, pearl or matte finish on the screen).

⚠️ Attention: Online services are suitable for preliminary assessment only. For accurate paint selection, use spectrophotometer (a device for measuring color, available in car services).

Locate the body decal (under the hood, on the door pillar or in the trunk)

Compare color in daylight with RAL/Pantone catalogs

Check documents (PTS, STS) for compliance with visual inspection

Use an online service to analyze photos (if you don’t have access to a car) -->

6. Mistakes when determining color: how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to incorrect paint selection or problems with documents. Let's look at the most common ones:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Trust only PTS without checking the body plate	Color mismatch during repair (for example, in the title “Black”, but in reality “Graphite Metallic”)	Always check the data with the manufacturer's nameplate
Ignoring overpainted areas	During local repairs, the new paint will differ from the original	Check the body for repair marks (see section 3)
Using photos in low light	Incorrect color selection through online services	Take photos in natural daylight without filters
Buying paint by generic name (for example, “Red”)	The shade will not match the original (maybe “Ruby”, “Cherry” or “Metallic”)	Always check manufacturer code (for example, 3L5 for Volkswagen)

Critical mistake: choosing paint “by eye” without taking into account the type of coating (metallic, mother-of-pearl, matte). For example, Metallic Gray and Pearlescent Gray will look different in different lighting conditions, although the codes may be the same.

7. Practical advice for different situations

Depending on the purpose (repair, purchase, paperwork), approaches to determining color differ:

• 🔧 For local repairs:
  • Use spectrophotometer (the cost of a service at a car service is 500–1000 rubles).
  • If paint is selected for plastic parts (bumper, moldings), keep in mind that they may be painted in a different shade.
• 📝 To prepare documents (for example, during re-registration):
  • If the color in the PTS does not match the real one, contact the traffic police to make changes (expertise will be required).
  • When selling a car, indicate in the contract the exact color from the body plate to avoid claims.
• 🛒 To buy a used car:
  • Check the color for overpainting - this may hide an accident.
  • Check the VIN code with the data in the title: if they do not match, the car could be stolen or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to determine the color of a car by its license plate number?

No, the license plate does not contain color information. However, you can find out the VIN by number through services like official website of the traffic police (section "Checking the Vehicle"), and then decipher the VIN to obtain color data.

What to do if the body plate is missing?

In this case:

1. Check for duplicate VIN codes on the body (under the hood, on the side members).
2. Contact an official dealer of the brand - they can restore the VIN data.
3. Use spectrophotometer for paint analysis (service available in car services).

How to find out the color code for Tesla?

U Tesla color is indicated in the car settings (section Software → Vehicle Information) or on the nameplate in the driver's door opening. Color codes:

• PBSW — Pearl White Multi-Coa
• SBMR — Midnight Silver Metallic
• DRPB — Deep Blue Metallic

Can the color of a car affect the cost of insurance?

Yes, some insurance companies take color into account when calculating CASCO insurance. For example, cars of bright colors (red, yellow) are considered more risky in terms of theft, so insurance may be 5–10% more expensive. However, color is not officially included in the mandatory parameters for MTPL.

How to check if a car has been repainted?

Signs of repainting:

• Uneven paint texture at the joints of parts.
• Difference in color between the body and plastic elements (bumpers, moldings).
• Traces of putty under the paint (checked with a magnet or thickness gauge).

For an accurate check, order detailed examination at the auto technical center.