A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a one of a kind code that assigned to each motor vehicle. It is a specific “identification number” that contains important information about the machine, such as its model, year of production and many other data. VIN consists of 17 characters, which can be both letters and numbers.
VIN is extremely important for vehicle owners, mechanics and vehicle registration and control bodies. It helps in identify the vehicle in cases such as thefts, accidents, or when selling a vehicle. The VIN number allows us to get access to vehicle history, which is extremely important 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 usually located on the dashboard under the windshield on the driver’s side. It can also seen on the nameplate located in the engine compartment or on the driver’s door pillar.
In addition to locations on the car, the VIN is also present on vehicle papers, such as the vehicle card, registration card and insurance policy. Comparing the VIN against these documents allows you to confirm that the number matches with the number on the vehicle, which protects against potential automotive fraud.
How can you read a VIN?
A VIN is made up of 17 characters, which are divided into three main parts: 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 was manufactured by Honda in the United States.
The middle section, the VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section), usually consists of five characters and contains information about the vehicle’s model, body type, drivetrain, etc.. The last section, VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section), is eight characters that identify a specific vehicle, including the year of manufacture, the manufacturing plant, and the serial number.
Why is the VIN important?
The VIN is a key element of every vehicle, which is used for identification. It helps in track the history of the vehicle, including accidents, repairs, inspections,
hnical, or 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 extremely important when buying a used car.
The VIN number is also used by various institutions, such as law enforcement agencies, insurers and registration offices, to check the identity of the vehicle. It is a tool to fight against vehicle theft and car fraud.
How can you check VIN number online?
Thanks to modern technologies and internet access, checking VIN number online is very easy. There are many websites and applications that allow you to enter VIN number and get a full report of the car. Just enter the VIN number in the appropriate field and wait for the search results.
These reports can contain information about previous owners of the vehicle, service history, any accidents, and even current and past registration records. VIN check online is recommended especially before buying a used car, as it helps to detect problems and avoid unpleasant surprises. VIN Search