Can Vehicle Information Be Retrieved by Checking the Engine Number and VIN?
4 Answers
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is equivalent to a car's ID card, being a set of numbers cast on the vehicle body, typically located at the lower left corner of the front windshield. The engine is a component of a car, and the engine number is the identification number of the engine. Vehicle information can be queried using the VIN. Below are the relevant details: 1. Meaning of the VIN: The VIN serves as the ID number of a car, determined according to national vehicle management standards, containing information such as the manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. 2. Composition of the VIN: The VIN consists of three parts: the first part, the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); the second part, the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS); and the third part, the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS).
You can definitely find a lot of information! Last time I helped a friend check a used car, I specifically looked up the VIN. This 17-digit code is like the car's ID card—entering it into a professional system reveals basic details such as manufacturing date, model configuration, and engine displacement. The most useful part is checking whether the car has any major accident records, and you can also pull up its insurance claim history. However, be aware that some third-party query platforms might have incomplete data. For precise maintenance records, you'll need to go to an authorized 4S shop. The engine number is used less frequently, mainly for matching the engine model.
With ten years of experience in auto repair, I deal with this daily—the VIN is far more useful than the engine number. Check that alphanumeric steel stamp on the rear of the car or the lower left corner of the windshield. Professional equipment can decode it to reveal the vehicle's lineage: which factory assembled it, the original transmission used, even down to the exact airbag model. Nowadays, mobile apps can scan it for a rough overview, but checking recall records still requires the official system from the transportation bureau. The engine number mainly verifies whether the engine is original, which becomes especially crucial during major overhauls or replacements.
As a seasoned expert in vehicle transfers, I must remind everyone that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the most crucial element. Last time I transferred a motorcycle, even that required a VIN rubbing. This string of codes can reveal whether the vehicle has been stolen, its mortgage status, and clearly show any outstanding legal issues. After linking the vehicle on the 12123 APP, you can check annual inspection information and scrapping deadlines anytime. However, private information such as the owner's name and phone number is strictly confidential, and the engine number is basically only used by the DMV for license plate changes.
