How to Decode a VIN: A Complete Guide

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to each vehicle during production. Deciphering the VIN is essential for car buyers and owners to learn more about a vehicle. Let’s go through the VIN decoding process in detail.

What is VIN?

VIN is a number that contains information about the manufacturer’s country, manufacturers, vehicle specifications, and year of manufacture. This information is critical when buying a used car, as one VIN can reveal the entire car’s history.

Where is the VIN located?

Typically, the VIN can be found in the following locations:

  1. On a plate attached to the driver’s side pillar.
  2. Under the hood, on a special marking plate.
  3. On a scale on the front panel (visible through the windshield).
  4. Under the driver’s seat.
  5. In the car documents.

How to decipher the VIN?

Each symbol in the VIN stands for specific information:

The first three symbols denote the global manufacturer and the country of manufacture. For example, if the first symbol is a “J,” it means the car is made in Japan.

Symbols 4-8: These describe the vehicle’s features, such as body type, engine, and transmission.

The 9th character is where the model and series description of the car is coded.

The 10th character: this is the year the vehicle was manufactured.

Characters 11-17: This is a unique number for each vehicle the manufacturer issues.

Decode a VIN

Checking the VIN when buying a car

When buying a car, it is essential to check the VIN. It will help you determine if the information provided by the seller about the vehicle is accurate. You can use the VIN to learn about past owners, accidents, mileage, and other car history. You can check the VIN code for free on our website.

Conclusion

The VIN is an invaluable source of information about each individual car that can help with the buying process. Knowing how to decipher a VIN will allow you to be confident in the performance and safety of your chosen vehicle.