How to Find the Engine Number of a Car?
2 Answers
The engine number is usually found on the outer surface of the engine block, on the vehicle's nameplate, or on the nameplate inside the engine compartment. You can also check the engine number on the purchase invoice, the factory certificate of compliance, the operating permit for commercial vehicles, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, the registration records with public security authorities, or the vehicle insurance card. The simplest and most direct method is to look at the vehicle's administrative green book or the vehicle's registration certificate. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle. It contains very important information about the vehicle. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine. It is used to indicate information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production 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 the Engine Number: Front Section: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or corporate code. Manufacturers can choose the appropriate letters as needed, but they must be approved and recorded by the industry standardization unit. Middle Section: Consists of symbols for the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear Section: Comprises symbols for structural features and usage characteristics. End Section: Distinguishing symbol. If differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same series, the manufacturer can choose an appropriate symbol. The rear and end sections can be separated by a hyphen.
I'm quite familiar with checking engine numbers, just open the hood and look. The engine number is usually located in the engine compartment. After opening the hood, look for the small metal plate on the engine cover, which typically has the number clearly printed. If it's not visible or rusty, clean it or use your phone's flashlight. Another spot is the firewall area near the base of the windshield. I've checked various cars—Japanese cars often place it at the front of the engine, while European and American cars sometimes have it on the rear side. If you can't find it, don't rush. Turn off the engine and take your time—safety first, as touching hot components can cause burns. This number isn't the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) but a separate identifier used for transfers, repairs, etc., like when changing spark plugs. Glancing at it before regular maintenance can save trouble. I recommend noting its location when buying a new car for future convenience.
