Basic Informationabout VINs

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A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17 digits code that every manufacturer has to assign to the specific car. If a vehicle is manufactured after 1981, the VIN will be stamped somewhere on the dashboard, on the driver’s side or near the windshield. Sometimes, you can also find it in the engine’s firewall.

The VIN is the best way to get honest information about a vehicle you’re going to buy, but VIN also tells you many other things. It’s like a social security number or a fingerprint for a vehicle: it tells you registration history, purchase history, inspection history - the list is almost endless.

But how can you read VIN? Here is a quick breakdown:

First three characters are nation of origin, manufacturer, and manufacturing division. Second digit is usually the first letter of manufacturer’s name: A is Audi, B is BMW and so on.

Next five digits tell you basic information, such as model, restraint system, transmission type, airbags and so on.

Thelastdigitstell you if the VIN is valid, assembly plant, and a serial number.

You can find the VIN in many different places, both on and off the vehicle.

If you don’t know the VIN, check the documentation of the vehicle, such as:

· Registrationcard

· Vehicle title

· Owner’s manual

· Insurance documents

· Police reports

If you don’t have any of these, you can always find the VIN on a vehicle:

· In front of the steering wheel

· On the corner of the dashboard

· Front of the engine block and car frame

· Driver-sidedoorspot

Once you find the VIN, you should always check it using our simple VIN checker. It will make you sure about the purchase. And if you’re a car dealer, report is a simple way to gain trust of your clients.