how to tell what engine your car has

[XavierLee]

The quickest way to identify your car's engine is to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), specifically the 8th character. This character is a standardized code for the engine type. You can find your VIN on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.

Decoding Your VIN Online VIN decoders are the most reliable tool. Simply enter your full 17-character VIN on a site like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal or a reputable automotive database. It will instantly provide details including engine displacement, configuration, and fuel type. For example, a VIN ending in a sequence like "1C4RJFDGXJC512345" can be decoded to reveal a specific 3.6L V6 engine.

Under-Hood Inspection If you can't access a VIN decoder, look under the hood. The engine itself often has a plaque or stamped numbers indicating its size. You might see something like "2.0L TSI" or "5.7L HEMI" directly on the engine cover or block. The emissions label under the hood also frequently lists the engine displacement in liters.

Owner's Manual and Vehicle Documents Your car's owner's manual will have a specifications section detailing the engine. Additionally, your vehicle's registration card or insurance documents often list the engine size as part of the vehicle description. This is a foolproof method if you have the paperwork handy.

Identification Method	Ease of Use	Information Detail	Example Data
VIN Decoder (Online)	Very Easy	High (Engine Code, Liters, Fuel Type)	8th Digit: 'K' = 2.0L Turbo I4
Under-Hood Sticker	Easy	Medium (Liters, Engine Code)	"Engine: LSY 2.0L"
Owner's Manual	Easy	High (Full Specifications)	"2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder"
Vehicle Registration	Easy	Low (Usually just liters)	"Displacement: 3.5L"
Physical Engine Inspection	Moderate	Low (May only show cubic inches/cc)	Stamped: "350" (5.7L)

[DiAmir]

Pop the hood and look for a sticker. There's almost always one on the underside that lists the engine size in liters right there in plain English. If you don't see it, check the driver's side door jamb—the same sticker with tire pressures has the VIN. Google "[Your Car's Make] VIN decoder," type in the 8th digit, and bam, you've got your answer. It takes two minutes.

[OAna]

As someone who prefers a methodical approach, I start with the paperwork. The vehicle registration from the DMV is the most official source. Next, I cross-reference that with the VIN on the dashboard. The 8th character is the engine code; a quick search for "[Your Car's Make] [Year] engine codes" will lead you to enthusiast forums with precise lists. This two-step verification ensures 100% accuracy before I order any parts.

[EmmanuelFitz]

Honestly, just ask the parts guy at your local auto parts store. They need to know your engine to sell you the right oil filter or spark plugs. Give them your license plate number or VIN, and their system will pull it up instantly. It’s how I found out my old truck had the larger V8 option and not the standard one. Sometimes the easiest way is to let the pros with the database handle it.