How to Check a Car's Engine Number?
3 Answers
The engine number is generally located on the outer surface of the engine cylinder block, or on the vehicle's nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's administrative green book or the vehicle registration certificate. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle. It contains crucial information about the vehicle. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, industry or company conventions, and the attributes of the engine. It is used to indicate information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, production process, purpose, and batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles are required to display the professional manufacturer's name, model, and production number. It's important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specifications and size of the engine within the manufacturer's lineup, and multiple engines can share the same model. The engine number, however, refers to the production number of the engine, and each engine has a unique number. Composition of a car's engine number: Prefix: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or company code. Manufacturers may choose appropriate letters as needed, but these must be approved and recorded by the industry standardization unit. Middle section: Consists of symbols for the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement type, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear section: Comprises symbols for structural features and usage characteristics. Suffix: Distinguishing symbol. When differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same product series, manufacturers may select appropriate symbols. The rear section and suffix can be separated by a hyphen (-).
After years of driving, here's a simple way to locate the engine number: First, check your vehicle registration certificate or license plate document in the car - both clearly state the engine number. If documents are lost, inspect physically: Open the hood, and you'll usually find a small metal plate engraved with the number on the engine block's side. Some models have it near the chassis or firewall. Ensure the engine is cool to avoid burns. Use a phone flashlight or clean off grease for better visibility. If unsuccessful, visit a 4S shop or garage where mechanics have specialized tools. Develop a habit of recording and backing up this number for insurance or ownership transfers to prevent hassles.
As a car enthusiast, I often help friends with this: the key is to prioritize vehicle documents like the registration certificate, ensuring they are clear and accurate. The steps for a physical vehicle inspection are: open the engine compartment and locate the nameplate—usually found above or on the side of the engine; the label on the driver's side door frame may also contain relevant codes. The VIN code at the corner of the windshield can assist in verification. After cleaning off surface dust, take photos to record the numbers properly. Remind them not to force open components to avoid damage, and operate when the engine is cool for safety. These methods cover everyday needs, from selling the car to repairs.
