Each vehicle has a unique code that identifies exactly what it is. The unique code is called the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. The VIN on each vehicle tells you information that includes:
- His country of origin
- The car manufacturer
- Its engine code
- The model year
- The chassis number
The VIN on every vehicle since 1981 is a 17-digit alphanumeric sequence, meaning it contains both numbers and letters. VINs have since been standardized so that no matter who decodes the VIN, the results are accurate and consistent.
When might I need the VIN?
Since your VIN uniquely identifies your particular vehicle including building options and information, it’s the most reliable way to find information that specifically applies to your vehicle.
For example, if you need to purchase parts for your vehicle when there are multiple engine options across a wide range of model years, your VIN will guide parts professionals to exactly the right component that fits your vehicle.
You can also run a vehicle history report or a VIN check on the vehicle using the 17-digit VIN. You can see the service history, incident history, title status and check if there are any pending recalls with just the VIN.
The VIN is also great to have on hand in case the vehicle is being towed or in a collision. It will help identify your vehicle easily as only one vehicle has that particular VIN number – yours!
Why is the VIN important?
As mentioned, your VIN number identifies your unique vehicle. When your VIN is decoded, the date of manufacture, engine size, model year, and other details can be accurately obtained from your car.
Especially when doing vehicle repairs or services, the VIN number will ensure that the correct components are installed on your car insurance. This means that the right oil filter is used for oil changes, and the correct brake size, tire size, and engine size are known to the repair technician.
It is important that you provide the accurate VIN to Your Mechanic when making an appointment or checking prices so that we can give you the exact price on parts and labor as well as bring the right components together to do the repairs on your vehicle.
Where can I find the VIN on my car?
The VIN on your vehicle is found in some fairly common areas. It is there for several reasons:
- Identification of a particular vehicle easily in situations such as a traffic stop or vehicle repair
- Simple identification of suitable components
- Confirmation of matching numbers, as in the case of classic cars
- Multiple locations in case a VIN position is illegible
There are four locations where you can find your car’s VIN.
Check the driver’s side dashboard. The first location you should look for to find your VIN is at the top of your driver’s side dashboard. Look through the windshield from the outside, looking at the corner of the dashboard closest to the driver’s door and the car’s windshield hood.
You will find a stamped plate with the VIN on it riveted to the dashboard. This VIN location should always remain visible even if it can be covered by parking passes, pieces of paper, or other clutter on the dashboard.
The VIN is the only number on the tag that is riveted to the dashboard so identifying the correct number will be easy. Often, the number is in a “window” at the bottom of the tinted windshield.
Look at the driver’s door frame or pillar. When the driver’s door is opened, there is an identification label placed on the edge of the door or on the rear pillar of the driver’s door, known as the “B” column.
The label is a permanent, long-lasting adhesive that contains much more than VIN. It has tire sizing, GVWR ratings, production date, barcode, and more. The VIN is the only 17-digit number on the label.
Find the VIN under the hood. Another commonplace to find the VIN on your vehicle is under the hood. You can use a label similar to the one found on the driver’s door pillar or it could be a stamped metal plate that is attached to the radiator cross member, firewall, or elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the VIN under the hood isn’t always in the same place from car brand to the car brand.
You may find the VIN in one of these four places. What you will see is a tag that looks like this:
Look at the rear frame. On older cars, the VIN can often be found on the rear of the frame on the driver’s side from the tire. This can be more difficult to locate and identify due to the overlying sprayed coating, the corrosion or rust obscuring the numbers or just an area that is hard to see.
When you look closely into the wheel on the driver’s rear, look for a number stamped on the steel. It can be on the side of the frame or on the top, but it should be outdoors even if it’s hard to read.
When booking an appointment with Your Mechanic, please include the full 17-digit VIN, found at one of these locations on your vehicle.
