How to Accurately Determine the Color of Your Subaru: Tips and Tricks

Are you a proud Subaru owner who’s curious about how to determine the exact color of your car? Do you want to avoid making common mistakes when trying to match the color of your vehicle? Look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss various methods to determine your Subaru’s color, how to locate the VIN number and paint code, and tips on taking accurate color samples. Keep reading to learn how you can maintain the appearance of your Subaru like a pro!

Methods for Determining Subaru’s Color

Using VIN Number

The easiest and most reliable way to determine the color of your Subaru is by using the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN provides a wealth of information about your car, including the make, model, year, and paint code. You can obtain your VIN from your vehicle registration or insurance documents, or by viewing it on the driver’s side of the dashboard through the windshield.

Once you have your VIN, you can use an online VIN decoder or contact a Subaru dealer to determine the paint code. The paint code is a combination of letters and numbers that indicates the exact color of the car paint.

Using Paint Code

Another way to determine the color of your Subaru is by using the paint code. If you have your paint code already, you can use a color chart to match the code to a sample chip of the same color. You can obtain a color chart from a Subaru dealership or auto parts store.

If you don’t have a paint code yet, you can locate it on your Subaru. On most models, the paint code is printed on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb or on the firewall under the hood.

Using Color Sample

If you are unable to obtain your VIN number or paint code, then you can take a color sample of your car and match it to the available Subaru paint finishes. To take an accurate color sample, find an inconspicuous area of the car body, such as underneath the trunk lid or inside the door jamb, and clean it thoroughly. Then, use a sandpaper grit of at least 800 to 1000 grit to sand the area gently. Finally, hold a piece of white paper next to the area, and take a photo of it in natural sunlight.

You can compare the photo to the available Subaru color charts to find the closest match. Remember that the color might look different depending on the lighting conditions and the age of the car, so it’s crucial to take into account these variables while making a color match.

Locating the VIN number and Paint Code

Knowing where to locate your VIN number and paint code is essential to determine the color of your Subaru accurately. Here’s how you can find them:

VIN number

• Check the driver’s side of the dashboard through the windshield
• Check your vehicle registration or insurance documents

Paint code

• Check the driver’s side door jamb sticker
• Check the firewall under the hood

Tips on Taking Accurate Color Samples

Here are some tips for taking accurate color samples:

1. Sand the area gently with 800- or 1000-grit sandpaper before taking a sample to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Make sure you take the sample in natural sunlight to see the color as accurately as possible.
3. Compare the sample to a Subaru color chart to find the closest color match.
4. If you’re unsure, ask a car dealership or professional body shop for guidance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that people make when trying to determine the color of their Subaru:

1. Assuming the car color is the same as the model year.
2. Not considering the effects of weathering, fading, or exposure to sunlight on the car color.
3. Using a low-quality paint finish that doesn’t match the original Subaru color, resulting in a mismatched paint job.

To avoid these mistakes, it’s crucial to use accurate methods when determining the color of your Subaru. Remember that taking a color sample and comparing it to a Subaru color chart is the most reliable way to get an accurate match.

FAQ

Q: Can I determine the Subaru color by using the model year?
A: No, the car color can vary from year to year, and it’s essential to use the VIN number, paint code, or color sample to determine the exact color.

Q: Can I use any brand of paint finish for my Subaru to match the color?
A: No, it’s recommended to use only high-quality paint finishes that match the original Subaru color. Using a low-quality paint finish can result in a mismatched paint job.

Q: Where can I obtain a Subaru color chart?
A: You can obtain a color chart from a Subaru dealership or auto parts store.

Conclusion

Maintaining the appearance of your Subaru is crucial to the longevity and value of your vehicle. With the right methods for determining the color, you can ensure that your car maintains its original color and looks like new, even after years of use. By using the VIN number, paint code, or color sample, you can enjoy the satisfaction of owning a Subaru that shines like the day you bought it.