How to Check the Vehicle Identification Number?
4 Answers
The methods to check the vehicle identification number are: 1. Left side of the dashboard; 2. Lower left side of the windshield; 3. On the vehicle's nameplate; 4. On the body at the upper part of the right front shock absorber; 5. In the trunk area; 6. On the door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or one of the pillars where the door lock pillar connects to the door edge. The vehicle identification number consists of 17 characters, including information about the vehicle's manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. Its functions are: 1. To confirm the vehicle's identity; 2. For traffic violation inquiries; 3. To check the vehicle's batch; 4. To accurately locate spare parts.
Speaking from my over a decade of driving experience, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is like a car's ID card, and its location is quite obvious. Sitting in the driver's seat and looking down through the windshield, usually near the lower left corner on the steering wheel side, there's a 17-digit code clearly displayed there. Sometimes, it's also on a small label inside the door or under the hood—just a gentle pull and you'll find it. I've met many car owners who ignored it when they first bought their cars, only to scramble to find it when selling or insuring the vehicle—like that time my friend's car recall notice relied on the VIN to confirm if it was affected. I recommend everyone jot down this number, save it in their phone notes or write it in the manual. In case you lose the vehicle registration, you can still use it as a backup. It also makes daily maintenance easier without much hassle. Remember, don't overcomplicate it; just take a quick look.
As a young person, I often use mobile apps to handle this. Technology is so convenient now—I just download an app like Carfax, take a photo of the VIN area on the dashboard, and the system automatically recognizes it and provides a vehicle history report. When I don't have the app, I enter the license plate number into an online lookup website, like some car forum tools, and the results pop up instantly. This method is perfect for lazy types—no need to rummage through piles of paperwork, saving both time and effort. For example, when I last changed cars, I simply scanned the new car's VIN to check for accident records, avoiding scams. I often teach my friends how to use these handy tools, which can even remind you of maintenance dates—pretty practical. Modern life moves fast, so don’t waste time figuring out old-school methods.
Memory may fade with age, but locating the VIN is simple. Decades ago, VIN codes were under the engine; now you can find them directly at the lower left corner of the windshield—just glance out from the driver's seat to scan that string of numbers. Alternatively, check the number on the vehicle registration and make a copy for backup, or keep it with the insurance policy. After driving for so many years, I make it a habit to confirm its location whenever I get a new car before hitting the road. It takes no effort or money, but maintaining this routine is crucial to avoid being caught off guard in emergencies.
