How to Identify the Year of a Car from Its VIN?
2 Answers
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique identifier for a car, often referred to as the 'car's ID card.' It contains crucial information about the vehicle, including the country of origin, manufacturer, engine model, vehicle type, and production year. The details are as follows: 1. The first digit: Indicates the country or region where the vehicle was manufactured. 2. The second digit: Represents the car manufacturer. 3. The third digit: Denotes the vehicle type. 4. The fourth to eighth digits: Describe vehicle characteristics, such as model, body style, series, and type. 5. The ninth digit is a check digit: It must be verified according to the 'World Manufacturer Identifier (VIN) Manual.' 6. The tenth digit represents the year: This indicates the model year of the car.
When I first bought my car, I was really curious about how to find out its production year. Later, I discovered that the 10th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is particularly crucial. The VIN is that long string of numbers located under the windshield or on the driver's side door. The 10th digit represents the production year: for example, 'A' stands for 1980 or 2010, 'B' for 1981 or 2011, and so on up to 'Y' for 2039. In cases of overlap, you may need to refer to other parts of the VIN for clarification. I use a mobile app to input the VIN, and it directly provides the year information—simple and quick. This has been especially helpful when I bought a used car, as it helped me avoid purchasing an overly aged vehicle. It's also useful for routine maintenance; knowing the car's age can remind you to replace wear-and-tear parts like tires or brake pads. In short, this method is highly practical. I recommend everyone get into the habit of checking the VIN—it's a great way to prevent scams and save hassle.
