A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique code that assigned to each motor vehicle. It is a specific “identification number” that includes important information about the automobile, such as its manufacturer, model, year of production and many other data. VIN consists of 17 characters, which can be letters and numbers.
VIN is of great importance for vehicle owners, mechanics and vehicle registration and control bodies. It helps in identify the vehicle in situations such as thefts, accidents, or when selling a vehicle. Thanks to the VIN number we can get access to vehicle history, which is of key importance when buying a used car.
Where to find the VIN number?
The location of the VIN number depends on the manufacturer and model. The VIN number is most often located on the dashboard under the windshield on the driver’s side. It can also found on the nameplate located in the engine compartment or on the driver’s door pillar.
In addition to locations on the vehicle, the VIN is also on vehicle documents, such as the vehicle card, registration card and insurance policy. Comparing the VIN against these documents allows you to confirm that it matches with the number on the vehicle, which prevents potential automotive fraud.
How to read a VIN?
A VIN contains 17 characters, which are divided into three sections: WMI, VDS and VIS. Each of these sections contains different information about the vehicle. The WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is the first three characters that identify the manufacturer and country of manufacture. For example, the code “1HG” indicates that the vehicle is from Honda and was manufactured in the United States.
The middle section, the VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section), usually has five characters and provides information about the model, body type, drivetrain, etc.. The last section, VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section), is eight characters that identify a specific vehicle, the year of manufacture, the manufacturing plant, and the serial number.
Why does the VIN matter?
The VIN is a key element of every vehicle, which is used for identification. Allows you to track the history of the vehicle, including repairs, technical inspections, reports of theft. Thanks to this we get a full report on the technical condition of the vehicle and its history of use, which is crucial when buying a used car.
The VIN number is also used by institutions, such as police, insurance companies and registration offices, to confirm the identity of the car. It is also a tool that helps in the fight against vehicle theft and car fraud.
How to check VIN number online?
Thanks to advanced technologies and internet accessibility, checking VIN number online has become very easy. There are many websites and applications that allow you to enter VIN number and get a full report of the vehicle. By entering the VIN number in the appropriate field, we will get the search results.
These reports contain information about previous owners, service history, accidents, and vehicle registrations. VIN check online is recommended before buying a used car, to detect problems and avoid surprises. Vin remove faq