What is a VIN code?
2 Answers
The full name is Vehicle-Identification-Number, known in Chinese as the vehicle identification code. According to SAE standards, the VIN code consists of 17 characters, hence it is commonly referred to as the seventeen-digit code. It contains information such as the vehicle manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. Vehicle Identification Number setting rules--Additional information: 1. Positions 1-3 (WMI): World Manufacturer Identifier, indicating who manufactured the vehicle. 2. Positions 4-8 (VDS): Vehicle Descriptor Section, describing the type of vehicle, body type, etc. 3. Position 9: Check digit, used to prevent input errors through a specific algorithm. 4. Position 10: Model year, i.e., the manufacturer's designated model year (Model Year), which may not necessarily be the actual production year, but generally the difference does not exceed one year. 5. Position 11: Assembly plant. 6. Positions 12-17: Serial number.
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is like a car's ID card, a globally standardized 17-digit code. With over 20 years of auto repair experience, I frequently use this code to help owners verify vehicle history. For example, the first three letters indicate the manufacturer and country—domestic Chinese vehicles usually start with 'L.' The middle digits represent the model year and series, while the last six are the unique serial number. It's typically fixed in the lower-left corner of the windshield or on the door edge, easily visible at a glance. Always verify the VIN when buying a car to avoid purchasing flood-damaged or refurbished accident vehicles. It's essential for insurance claims, transfers, and registrations. Also, modern cars make scanning VINs effortless—many apps can decode the information directly, revealing the car's true age and mileage records. Don’t overlook this detail; protecting your rights starts with these small but critical steps.
