What information does a vehicle VIN contain?
2 Answers
Automobile VIN contains information such as the vehicle manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. Additional details about VIN are as follows: 1. SAE Standard (Society of Automotive Engineers) stipulates: VIN consists of 17 characters, commonly known as the seventeen-digit code. 2. Detailed breakdown of VIN: Positions 1~3 (WMI): Manufacturer, brand, and type. Positions 4~8 (VDS): Vehicle characteristics. Position 9: Check digit. Position 10: Model year. Position 11: Assembly plant. Positions 12~17: Sequential number.
The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-character code that serves as a car's unique identifier, much like an ID card. When I bought a used car last time, I made sure to check this—it contains all sorts of information, revealing the manufacturer, production year, model, engine type, and origin. For example, the first few letters indicate the brand, like U.S. cars starting with 1, Japanese cars with J, the middle section includes the model and configuration, and the last digits are the production serial number. It’s incredibly useful, especially when buying or selling a car—I once used the VIN to check if the car had been in any accidents or recalls, helping me avoid pitfalls. Insurance companies also use it to verify identity during claims, ensuring the car hasn’t been stolen or modified. In short, the VIN is usually found on the corner of the windshield or the driver’s side door frame—a small string of numbers with big implications, giving car owners peace of mind.
