Why it is important to know the exact color of the car

Have you ever come across a situation where after a minor body repair, the renovated element differed in shade from the rest of the car? Or did you try to pick up paint for chipping, but the result was disappointing? The reason is often one. miscode.

Even one shade manufacturer "black metallic" It can have dozens of variations: «Deep Black Pearl», «Onyx Black» or «Midnight Black». If the car was painted earlier, the original color could change by 1-2 tones. In this article, we will understand All official and alternative methodsHow to find out the color of your car – from checking documents to using mobile applications

This information is especially relevant for owners of used cars, cars after an accident or those who plan to use them. partial-painting. An error in choosing a shade can cost not only time, but also money - repainting a part costs 2-3 times more expensive than the correct selection from the first time.

Method 1: Verification of PTS and ITS

The most obvious and reliable method is to look at the color in the Vehicle passport (PTS) or Certificate of registration (CVD). These documents shall indicate "body color" columned 10. Colour (for PTS) or 5. Colour (for CTC).

But there are nuances:

  • 🔹 The documents are usually listed colour (e.g., "blue"), not the exact shade with the manufacturer's code.
  • 🔹 If the car was repainted, the data in the PTS They may not match the actual color. (Make sure to check it visually!)
  • 🔹 In the CTC color is indicated in Russian, and in the PTS - sometimes in the language of the manufacturer (for example, in the language of the manufacturer). «Schwarz» instead of "black."

Example of PTS entry: 

10. Color: White Pearl (code: B59)

If your documents only show a common color without a code, move on to the next method.

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If the color is listed in the PTS as “multicolor” or “combined”, this may mean vinyl stickers, airbrushing or two-colored bodywork. In this case, for an accurate selection of paint, contact the dealer with a VIN code.

Method 2: Search by VIN code

VIN code Vehicle identification number is a unique vehicle passport that can be used to identify the vehicle. year of release, completeness, body color And even the history of repairs. You can find VIN:

  • 📄 In PTS (first line at the top).
  • 🚗 On a sign under the hood or on the front of the driver's door.
  • 🔍 On the windshield from the driver’s side (most modern cars).

To find out the color by VIN:

  1. Copy a 17-digit code (example: XTA211230G1234567).
  2. Go to one of the services:
    • 🌍 VinHistory (Free but limited information)
    • 🌍 EPC.Data (Paid, but with exact color codes).
    • 🌍 Official website of the manufacturer (for example, Toyota EPC or BMW ETK).
  • Enter the VIN in the search box and find the section «Body / Paint» or «Color Code».

    • Example of a VIN report for Volkswagen Golf: 

    

    Model: Golf VII (5G1)
    

    Year: 2018
    

    Color Code: L60M (Pure White)
    

    Color Name: Pure white
    📊 Where does your car have a VIN code?
    On the windshield.
    On the doorpost.
    Under the hood
    In the glove compartment
    I don't know.

    Method 3: A color code plate on the body

    Almost all cars have paint-platewhich is attached to one of the following places:

    Make of car Typical placement of the plate Example of code
    Toyota, Lexus Under the hood (on the radiator frame) or on the door counter 1G3 (Super White II)
    Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda In the trunk (under the spare) or on the doorstep L60M (Pure White)
    BMW, Mini On the driver's door or under the hood A96 (Alpine White)
    Hyundai, Kia At the central rack (from the driver's side) P3E (Phantom Black)
    Renault, Nissan In the engine compartment (on the body next to the battery) N73 (Diamond Black)

    The plate usually shows: Body model (e.g., E53 for BMW X5), Paint code. (2-4 characters, for example) B59), Salon code. (if applicable).

    Example of a plate Toyota Corolla: Toyota

    The color code here. 1G3which corresponds «Super White II».

    What to do if the sign is painted or missing?

    In this case, try to find a duplicate sticker elsewhere (such as in the trunk under the skin) or contact an official dealer with a VIN code. If the car was painted, the original plate could be removed - then only a spectrophotometer will help (see below). Method 6).

    Method 4: Contacting an Official Dealer

    If the self-search failed, the most reliable option is call out. They have access to the manufacturer’s databases, which store the history of each vehicle by VIN, including:

    • 🔧 Original color code (even if the car was repainted).
    • 🎨 The exact name of the shade in Russian and English.
    • 📅 Release date and possible color changes (e.g. for limited editions).

    How to do this:

    1. Find the nearest official service center (via the manufacturer's website).
    2. Provide the VIN code and PTS data (can be by phone or email).
    3. Ask for it. «Color Code Report» It is usually free or costs up to 500 rubles.

    Example of response from the dealer Mercedes-Benz: 

    

    VIN: WDD2132451A123456
    

    Model: E-Class (W213)
    

    Color Code: 992U (Polar White)
    

    Paint Type: Metallic

    Prepare the VIN code.

    Take a copy of the PTS

    Check if you need an advance payment for the report

    Take a picture of the code plate (if any)

    -->

    Method 5: Mobile Apps for Color Determination

    If the documents are lost, and the sign could not be found, they will come to the rescue. mobile. They analyze the body color through the smartphone camera and compare it with the base of shades. Popular options:

    • 📱 ColorSnap Match (Sherwin-Williams) – determines the shade from the photo and selects analogues of colors.
    • 📱 NCS Colorpin It is a professional tool for designers, but it is also suitable for cars.
    • 📱 AutoColor - specialized application for automotive paints (there are bases) PPG, DuPont, Standox).

    How to use:

    1. Take a picture of the body while natural-light (Not in the direct sunlight!)
    2. Choose an area without glare and contamination (such as a roof or hood).
    3. Upload the photo to the app and wait for analysis.
    4. Compare the proposed shades with the original.

    The accuracy of these applications. 70–85%. They will not replace a professional spectrophotometer, but will help narrow the search. For example, if the app showed «Silver Metallic»You can check the code from the dealer or in the catalog of colors.

    💡

    For the best result, take several photos from different angles and under different lighting. Metallic and mother of pearl can “play” in shades depending on the angle of shooting.

    Method 6: Professional spectrophotometer scanning

    If you need it. 100% accuracy (for example, for complete repainting or repair after an accident), without spectrophotometer I can't do it. It's a device that analyzes the reflected light and determines the exact shade of paint.

    Where to scan:

    • 🔧 In car services with a body shop (cost: 500-1500 rubles).
    • 🎨 In the automotive paint shops (for example, PPG, Mobihel).
    • 🏆 Official dealers (sometimes free of charge when ordering work).

    How the process goes:

    1. The master cleans a small section of the body (usually the hood or roof).
    2. Apply a spectrophotometer and make 2-3 measurements.
    3. The device gives out the paint code and a recipe for mixing (if necessary).

    Example of the report after scanning: 

    

    Brand: Audi
    

    Color Code: LY9W (Nardo Gray)
    

    Paint System: Standox
    

    Mixing Formula:
    

    - Base: 90% Gray
    

    - Metallic: 8% Aluminum
    

    - Clearcoat: 2 layers
    💡

    A spectrophotometer is the only way to accurately determine the color if the car has been painted before or the original plaque is lost.

    Method 7: Visual selection of paint catalogs

    If all of the above methods are not available, catalogue-selection. It is time-consuming, but sometimes the only way out for rare or old cars.

    Where to look for catalogs:

    • 📖 Official websites of paint manufacturers:
    • 📚 Books-catalogues in auto paint shops (for example, «Mobihel Color Guide»).
    • 🛠️ Forums of your brand owners (there are often scans of original catalogs).

    How to pick a color:

    1. Find out. year-end and model your car.
    2. Find a color section for your brand (for example, «Toyota — 2010–2015»).
    3. Compare shades in daylight by applying samples to the body.
    4. Pay attention to this. paint: metallic, mother of pearl or matte.

    Example of a page from the catalog PPG:

    You can see here that Honda Civic 2018 code B-52P correspondently «Sonic Gray Pearl».

    What if the color in the catalog does not match?

    This may mean that the car was painted with unoriginal paint. In that case:

    1. Try to find the nearest shade from the same color group.

    2. Order a test staining of a small area (for example, the inside of the door).

    3. Use a spectrophotometer for accurate analysis.

    Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Even experienced car owners sometimes make the wrong color determination. Here. most common slip-ups And how to prevent them:

    ⚠️ Attention: If the color “gray” is indicated in the PTS, this does not mean that the paint code is standard. «Gray». U Mercedes-BenzFor example, more than 20 shades of gray: «Iridium Silver» before «Selenite Gray».
    Mistake. Effects of consequences How to avoid
    Only PTS can be trusted without checking the plate. Disappearance of shade after painting Always check the data with the plate on the body
    Photographing a car in artificial lighting App shows wrong hue Take pictures outside in cloudy weather
    Ignore the type of paint (metallic / pearl) After painting, the detail looks dull or too shiny. Check the type with the dealer or in the catalog
    Buying paint by name, not by code The color may differ from different manufacturers Use only original codes (e.g., LY9W, not "gray"
    ⚠️ Attention: If your car colored (e.g. matte or chameleon), none of the above methods will give 100% results. In this case, contact an atelier specializing in exclusive colors.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

    Can I find out the color of the car by the state number?

    No, the traffic police database stores only the general color (for example, "black"), but not the manufacturer's code. For accurate determination, use a VIN or a plate on the body.

    What to do if the color code is painted over?

    Try to clean it with a solvent (for example, White Spirit.). If it doesn’t work, look for a duplicate sign in the trunk or contact the dealer.

    How to know the color of the car if it was painted before?

    In this case, the original code is useless. It'll only help you. spectrophotometer Or visual selection by catalog with a trial coloring.

    Can you trust online VIN services to determine color?

    Free services (e.g., VinHistory) often provide general information. For the exact code, use paid bases (EPC.Data) or official sources.

    What color is considered the most difficult to choose?

    Silver metallics (arts.«Silver») and pearl shades («Pearl»). They change tone depending on the lighting, so require professional scanning.