A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a combination of 17 characters (digits, capital letters), which act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. The VIN identifies the vehicle’s unique features, specifications, and manufacturer. You can check car VIN info and track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, and thefts.
The vehicle identification number can tell you many things about your automobile, such as its airbag type and country of origin, engine type, size, year, trim level, and plant name.
What is a VIN, and how to read it?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1954, began requiring standard VINs for all road vehicles.
Many people think the VIN is just an assortment of random numbers and letters. These characters are structured codes that have their meaning. From 1981 through the present, vehicles have a VIN that consists of 17 characters (letters or numbers). Vehicles may have different VIN formats and lengths.
You often find the VIN in the lower-left corner, just before the steering wheel. The number can be seen through the windshield at the driver’s end of the vehicle.
The first character of the VIN indicates the country where the vehicle was made. VINs beginning with 1, 4, or 5 are made in the United States. The vehicle manufacturer uses the third number or letter to identify the vehicle type. This could be a car, truck, bus, or another vehicle. The model year is indicated by the 10 th character in the VIN.
Where can I find the VIN?
The VIN can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver’s side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. If the VIN cannot be found there, open the driver’s side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It is likely that the VIN will also be displayed in this location. See the image below:
These other locations will also have the VIN:
- Insurance card/Insurance policy
- Vehicle title and registration
VIN finder can be used by entering your VIN in the VIN checkbox below, under “Run an AutoCheck (r) vehicle histories report.” Click “Check VIN” and enter your VIN. You can get your VIN check free of charge without buying anything.
You can view your VIN’s year, make, and model above the order form. You will also find out how many vehicle records are available for this vehicle. You can view the full vehicle history report by selecting one of the report options. Once you have filled out your information, you can purchase the package that suits your needs.
What’s VIN history?
A vehicle history report (VHR) is a document that provides information about the owner and repair history of a vehicle. If you’re thinking of buying a used vehicle, this can be an important tool. Although you can easily access a vehicle history report online, the information is often limited. It is important to understand how to assess the VHR you get for free and find other ways to obtain a complete VHR.
A complete VHR will allow you to separate the information into these sections: vehicle history and summary, value calculator and ownership history.
What if your VIN is only 17 characters?
Double-check that you have the correct VIN and copied it correctly. After you’ve verified that the VIN contains no more than 17 characters, it is most likely that VIN was obtained from an older vehicle.
VINs were 11-17 characters long before 1981. AutoCheck can report only on vehicles with a VIN of 17 characters. AutoCheck cannot report on vehicles made before 1981.
Benefits of VIN search
VIN searches can help you negotiate a fair price for a car. They may provide information about the vehicle’s accident history, maintenance costs, and market value.
A VIN search can be beneficial, regardless of whether you are the seller or the owner. A search can help you understand the price you can expect to receive for your vehicle if you are trying to sell it. A VIN search can help you discover safety recalls and recommended maintenance, even if you are satisfied with your car.
