Reading A Vehicle’s Window Sticker

As you walk onto the lot of Valley GMC to look at prices, features, and fuel economy of different vehicles you have on your list, reading a window sticker may seem quite confusing to some. However, learning all the details of a window sticker is very simple and can help you stay informed as you decide which vehicle to buy.

What Is a Monroney Window Sticker?

First and foremost, a window sticker is actually called a Monroney, named after Mike Monroney, a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma who served from 1951 until 1969. In that time, he sponsored a bill called the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958 that required all new vehicles to have a sticker in their windows with detailed information about that specific car for consumers. It is a federal law that protects consumers by providing the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a new GMC.

Basic Vehicle Information

At the top of the Monroney, or window sticker, is the vehicle’s designation. For a GMC, this is directly at the top, located next to the GMC badge. This shows the vehicle name, engine, trim level, transmission, as well as the interior and exterior colors of the GMC.

Standard Equipment

Below the model information, you will see the Standard Equipment info. This goes into what the vehicle has as standard, such as the cab and bed sizes (if it’s a truck), two- or four-wheel drive, and other details like the warranty, safety features, technology, and more. This will also display the vehicle’s standard MSRP.

Options and Pricing

After that, you’ll have Options and Pricing, which offers a more detailed understanding of the specific options and the costs they add to the vehicle. From there, you will see the final vehicle price with the options added to the standard price.

Fuel Economy Breakdown

In the bottom left, you will notice the fuel economy information, which is based on EPA estimates for that model. This will be broken down into your average fuel economy (city and highway mpg you can expect), as well as your annual fuel cost. Your Monroney is also required to show a Greenhouse Gas Rating and a Smog Rating to indicate how much pollution the vehicle is estimated to emit.

Crash Test Ratings

Next to the fuel economy data are the government-mandated safety ratings being displayed from crash testing administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA. This will show up to five stars in various tests, including a rollover.

Production Information

Next to the safety information is the Parts Content Information, which shows where all of the parts on your vehicle were made and then assembled, including the final assembly plant that produced the model.

Vehicle Identification Number and Dealer Information

Finally, the last bit of information shown on the window sticker is at the bottom right, showing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the dealer where the vehicle was delivered.

Let Valley GMC Assist You in Your Next Vehicle Purchase

If you have questions about reading a Monroney or about any new or used GMC vehicles, the knowledgeable staff at Valley GMC will be happy to assist you in not only reading the window sticker but also helping you learn about all of the features, both standard and optional, on various vehicles you’re interested in.

Why Choose Valley GMC

At Valley GMC, we pride ourselves on offering the best sales and service possible. With dozens of new and used vehicles available, our incredible sales team and finance department can help you find the best truck or SUV for you and your family. And our fantastic service department will work hard to maintain your vehicle to the highest standards. We look forward to serving you.