Introduction: What is a Car VIN
The VIN code is an individual vehicle code consisting of seventeen characters (numbers and letters). This code contains information about the manufacturer, vehicle parameters and the date it rolled off the assembly line. The identification number is assigned at the production site and cannot be changed during the entire service life. It is used when preparing documents. According to global requirements for vehicle production, the manufacturer does not have the right to reuse the VIN number for 30 years. The VIN is unique – it is never repeated and is similar to human fingerprints. The VIN code standard was established in 1980.
How to check the authenticity of the VIN code?
Determined by comparing the intervals between the identifier characters. There are several ways to determine the VIN:
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- verification against traffic police databases;
- visual inspection of symbols (factory marks have the same size and shape);
- the area with the VIN code remains motionless under any mechanical impact;
- paint examination in the area of embossed symbols.
Also, in the genuine code on the carrier there should be no traces of welding, damage or putty. You should pay attention to the depth of the applied characters, the difference between the number displays on both sides, and possible changes in the panel thickness.
What is VIN for?
The alphanumeric number has two main functions: identification of the vehicle and storage of complete information about it. The VIN code of the car is entered into the PTS , STS, warranty card and insurance policy.
The VIN code is used to track the history of a car:
- post-accident repairs;
- encumbrances, pledges, etc.;
- recorded thefts;
- number of sales.
The code can be used to find out how the vehicle was used, who the owner is, the type of upholstery, the configuration, and the color of the body.
Such information is especially in demand for buyers of used cars, as it allows them to avoid confusion in documents and fraud from unscrupulous resellers.
Where is the VIN code located on the vehicle?
According to the manufacturer’s rights, the VIN number can be applied to different parts of the body:
- under the windshield;
- under the hood;
- under the trim next to the driver’s seat;
- on the driver’s door pillar.
In a domestically produced car, the VIN code is indicated on the passenger side on the shock absorber strut, or between the passenger compartment and the engine on the right side.
Method of applying VIN code
Today, car assembly lines use manual (installed in equipment) or automatic systems for applying VIN numbers to body parts. Leading auto giants use marking by drawing, since it eliminates deformation of elements.
Laser marking can be done on many materials and alloys, including titanium. The marker is capable of applying letters, numbers, bar codes, logos with a unique degree of execution.
In dot-impact marking, the marks to be applied are formed by a series of dots produced by the impact of a tungsten-carbide tip.
What does the VIN code consist of?
The VIN code of a car consists of three parts:
- WMI – International Manufacturer Index (3 characters).
- VDS – informational and descriptive component (6 characters).
- VIS – distinctive component (8 characters).
Let’s look at what the letters and numbers in the 17-digit VIN code mean.
- 1st – geographic region;
- 2nd – the country that produced the car;
- 3rd – manufacturer;
- 4-5 – series;
- 6th – wheelbase;
- 7th – body type;
- 8th – engine type;
- 9th – check digit, confirming the authenticity of the first eight numbers;
- 10th – model year, year of launch of a new line;
- 11th division of the plant, where the vehicle is assembled;
- 12-17 – serial number on the conveyor (serial number).
It is important to remember that the model year and calendar year are different. The model year is set by the manufacturer at its own discretion.
How to use VIN code when buying a car?
Before purchasing a car, using the VIN code is necessary, since you can find out the entire history of the vehicle from the moment it was released by the manufacturer until the time the owner or intermediary puts the car up for sale.
Information bases contain the following types of data:
- information on the number of purchase and sale transactions and related data;
- data on accompanying documents for the vehicle and their restoration, if any;
- information about maintenance and repairs at a dealership or third-party service station. It is important to remember that not all car owners use the services of organizations that enter full information into the database and provide a package of documents on maintenance and repair work . There are common cases when a car is repaired in a makeshift manner;
- data on road accidents involving the vehicle of interest;
- instrument panel sensor readings throughout the entire service life of the vehicle;
- information about using a vehicle for rent, lease or as a taxi.
It is also important to check that the alphanumeric characters have not been altered, the mileage has not been rolled back, and that the car is not under arrest by a court decision or pledged to a bank.
How to use VIN code when selecting spare parts?
The VIN code makes it possible to most accurately determine the number of a part that is mounted on the assembly line of a car plant, i.e. to accurately identify the necessary spare part.
Since the manufacturer develops its own programs, it is worth using only original software. Sites offering the service of choosing a spare part operate according to the following method:
- The catalog number is decoded after being entered into a special column for searching for suppliers and brands.
- The manufacturing country is selected, where the desired brand and manufacturer can be found.
- A list is provided from which you can select the desired option.
- Groups and subgroups of spare parts are defined.
- As a result, a list of parts will be provided from which the required one can be selected.
Units, mechanisms and parts are manufactured in compliance with international norms and standards, which means they are reliable and have a long service life. The plant’s design bureau takes into account the wear resistance parameters and characteristics of each model. All manufacturers enter vehicle data reflected in the VIN code.
When choosing the right spare part, sometimes errors occur due to several reasons:
- not all countries comply with the requirements of the international standard, since there have been various changes, additions, coding conditions, etc.;
- paper media for catalogues were not always digitized correctly;
- cars that were exported from abroad are burdened with a certain mileage or repairs. Therefore, there is a certain deficit of information;
- selection of non-original spare parts, tuning and other changes entail errors in selection;
- The earliest models do not always indicate information about the assembly region and manufacturer. Vehicles assembled in different countries may differ in terms of equipment.
It should be taken into account that it is possible to accurately identify a spare part for cars produced since 2005 by European manufacturers, and since 2000 by Japanese manufacturers.
How to use VIN code if you want to track history?
You can check the history of a car by VIN number before purchasing a car on the following websites.
gibdd.ru is the most popular service. You can get the necessary information from it for free. It is equally useful for all car enthusiasts, regardless of their place of residence.
Here in the “Vehicle Check” block you need to enter the VIN in the appropriate column and request the check you are interested in. After 5 minutes, the requested information will appear.
But this service will not tell you whether the vehicle is pledged. In addition, you should visit the website of the Federal Notary Chamber — reestr-zalogov.ru .
In the line “By information about the subject of the pledge” you need to enter the VIN number and click the “Find” button. If no results are found when issuing results, then the car is not pledged.
The site gives the user free information. It is necessary to upload VIN and STS in the corresponding columns , and then click “Check”.
Here you can find out the following data:
- registration restrictions;
- vehicle owners;
- number of technical inspections passed;
- car involvement in an accident.
