A vehicle’s VIN number is an important piece of information. VIN numbers are required for vehicle permits and car ownership.
We are going to explain why it is important, how to check and free lookup vin number, and how to decode it.
How Does A VIN Number Work?
VINs, or Vehicle Identification Numbers, are 17-digit serial numbers assigned to every passenger vehicle sold in this country. A metal plate with this stamp can be found in several places, including where the windshield meets the dash. The registration and title documents also contain this information. By referring to the VIN, you can find out the manufacturer, model year, and other information about the vehicle.
The first character of the code indicates the country of manufacture: 1 or 4 means the USA, 2 means Canada, 3 means Mexico, J means Japan, K means Korea, S means England, W is Germany, and Y means Sweden. Model year is indicated by the 10th letter or number. A letter T, V, W, X, or Y stands for 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively.
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 are represented by the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The Internet offers several VIN-decoding services for free. One of the best free vin lookup services is EpicVin.
VINs: What are Their Importances?
Vehicle identification numbers provide important information about a vehicle. Tracking a vehicle over its lifetime is made easier with a VIN. You can use it for a variety of things, such as car insurance quotes and the following:
- Help you purchase a used car. Validation of the vehicle’s VIN is necessary. If the code is accurate, you are less likely to buy a stolen or unsafe car.
- The registration process, the renewal of your license plate, or the transfer of ownership of your car can be guided by our experts.
- Identify stolen vehicles and assist law enforcement in recovering them.
- You can simplify the process of ordering appropriate parts for your vehicle for maintenance and autobody shops.
How to find a car’s VIN number
VINs are found on the driver’s side of the vehicle, as seen through the windshield. Additionally, it is located on the driver’s side door post and inside the door. This number will also appear on documents such as insurance policies, service records, and vehicle ownership records. Whenever possible, ask the seller to provide you with the VIN if you are not able to access the car when you are buying a used car.
A VIN’s Numbers and Letters: What Do They Mean?
Despite the fact that it appears to be a random mix of 17 characters, every combination contains specific information identifying the manufacturer, make, model, and year of the vehicle. As a breakdown of the numbers, here they are:
3GHBH41JXMN199815
The first number or letter must be decoded in order to proceed. The manufacturer of the vehicle will be revealed by this character.
- A – H means Africa
- J – R (except O and Q) means Asia
- S – Z means Europe
- 1 – 5 means North America
- 6 or 7 means New Zealand or Australia
- 8 or 9 is for South America
The second and third digits must be decoded. You can identify the manufacturer by these characters. A manufacturer’s exact division can be found by its third digit, such as General Motors. Here are a few examples:
- 1 Chevrolet
- J Jeep
- T Toyota
- 6 Cadillac
A description of the vehicle is provided in section 3. It is also possible to determine what type of vehicle it is by the next five numbers.
A fake VIN can be verified by the ninth number.
The tenth number refers to the year of manufacture of the vehicle. The letter A would be assigned to a 2010 vehicle, for example.
You can find the exact plant that made the vehicle by looking at the eleventh number. Each manufacturer uses a different digit.
Two, three, and eight digits can be used to identify flexible fuel vehicles
In addition to being a serial number for the car, the last three digits are what make the VIN unique to that vehicle.
Can a VIN be longer than 17 characters?
Vehicles made before 1981 will not decode properly with new systems if their VINs are not 17 numbers long. Until 1981, there was little information available on cars.
What is the best way to verify my VIN?
To ensure the VIN locations on your vehicle are correct, you should check all of them. Verify that the number provides the right year, model, make, and color of the vehicle based on the original registration form.
Using an online VIN decoder like EpicVin can make the process easier. Make sure there are no signs of tampering (scratched numbers, mismatched rivets, glue, or paint). The VIN’s data could be changed or tampered with if someone tries to conceal or change the original number.
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