The VIN, short for Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code used to identify vehicles. It’s standardized since 1981 and is comprised of 17 digits.
It includes a few important pieces of information that can help you track your car’s history and ensure the parts you need are available. If you’re a DIY mechanic, understanding your car’s VIN is essential.
Find the VIN on the Title or Registration
The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique number that identifies every American car. It's found on the title or registration, and can be used to run a vehicle history report.
A VIN is also required for registering a car, getting new license plates, and insurance. It's like a DNA code for your car, and it will not change with time.
VINs vary in length from 11 to 17 characters, but they are always digits and letters. The first three characters indicate where the car was manufactured (world manufacturer identifier or WMI).
Next, six digits describe the car and its features. They include the model, body type, year of production and engine size and type.
Then, a security check digit indicates whether the VIN is authorized by the manufacturer. Finally, the last 11 characters identify the assembly plant where the car was manufactured. These digits help prevent VIN fraud. If you're in the market for a used car, you'll want to be sure that the VIN is legit.
Check the VIN on the Body Panels
The VIN is a unique identification number on every American car. It is used by automakers and vehicle registration companies to track vehicles, determine if they are affected by safety recalls or compatible parts, and prevent theft.
The 17-digit sequence is standardized, and was adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1981. It was intended to reduce theft, improve auto recalls and increase safety, which is why they are required on new cars. remove car history
Each digit is a number from 0 to 9, with no letters I, O or Q to help cut down on error. The first digit is a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which shows where the car was assembled and the manufacturer. The next digit is the specific division of the manufacturer, such as 'G' for General Motors, 'C' for Chrysler or 'B' for BMW.
Positions 4 through 9 are the VIN Descriptor Section, which gives you details about the car itself, such as engine type, body style, and options. The ninth digit is the VIN accuracy check digit, which is a security code that the manufacturer uses to verify the authenticity of the entire VIN.
The final six digits, 12 through 17, are production sequence numbers. This helps manufacturers keep a record of how many cars are built each year.
Check the VIN on the Engine
If you're buying an American car, it's important to check the VIN before you sign any paperwork. This number is used to identify your vehicle and help a mechanic determine what it's worth.
The VIN is made up of 17 characters that provide a wealth of information about your car. These characters reveal everything from the year it was manufactured to the manufacturer, region where it was produced, and manufacturing division.
This info is important because it can be used to identify past or open recalls, registrations, warranty claims and status, insurance coverage and theft records. It can also be used to verify a vehicle's safety features and specifications.
Every American vehicle has a unique VIN that contains between 11 and 17 characters. The first three characters, which are called the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI code, uniquely identify the vehicle's manufacturer.