What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

[OJace]

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) refers to the unique 17-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every vehicle. The method to identify the production date from the VIN is: The 10th character of the VIN indicates the production year (though the specific production month cannot be determined). This character may be either a number or letter, following a 30-year cycle that excludes the letter 'O' and the number '10'. The meaning of the 17-digit VIN is as follows: 1. The first three characters represent the country of manufacture, manufacturer, and vehicle type; 2. Characters 4 through 8 indicate vehicle characteristics such as model, body type, engine type, and gross vehicle weight rating; 3. The 9th character is a check digit used to verify the VIN's accuracy; 4. The 11th character identifies the assembly plant; 5. Characters 12 through 17 represent the production sequence number.

[VanJoy]

The VIN is like a car's ID number. Every time I help friends check used cars, I start by examining it. These 17 characters contain a wealth of information: the first three digits represent the manufacturer and model, for example, German cars often start with W; the 10th digit is the most crucial, indicating the production year, where A stands for 2010, B for 2011, and so on; the last six digits are the unique serial number from the production line. Last time, I found a rare sports car and confirmed its original engine model through the VIN. It's advisable to use a professional app to check the VIN before buying a car to avoid accident or flood-damaged vehicles. Even during maintenance, dealerships rely on it to match parts.

[SavannahLynn]

The VIN is a 17-digit identity code that I've relied on for over a decade in auto repair to diagnose issues. Different positions carry distinct meanings: the first two digits typically indicate the region code, with L denoting Chinese manufacture, while J signifies a Japanese import. The middle 8 digits conceal transmission type and drivetrain configuration, while the final digits reveal the assembly plant. I once encountered a customer whose modified vehicle had frequent breakdowns - checking the VIN revealed mismatched engine and chassis. Nowadays, on new energy vehicles, the VIN even indicates battery type, such as P for lithium iron phosphate.

[WalkerLynn]

This car ID is so practical. I often remind new car owners to memorize the location of their vehicle's VIN, usually found at the lower left corner of the front windshield or near the passenger side door sill. Pay special attention to the year digit in the 17-digit code—for example, L stands for 2020 and P for 2023. Insurance companies require photos of it for records when purchasing insurance, and it's also verified for repairs or part replacements. Last year, I received the wrong parts because the seller mistyped one letter in the VIN.

[SabrinaAnn]

The VIN is the DNA of a car, and it's my go-to resource for studying classic cars. Every character holds significance: the 4th digit indicates body style (E stands for 4-door sedan), the 5th digit reveals engine code (H might mean 2.0T). Checking VINs when collecting vintage cars is the most thrilling part – you might uncover limited edition details. Last time, I found a 1960s muscle car whose VIN secretly indicated factory supercharger installation. Even modern cars use the 9th digit to show anti-theft system type, a crucial spot to verify when buying used cars to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.