What is the meaning of a car's VIN number?
2 Answers
The Vehicle Identification Number, abbreviated as VIN, is a unique seventeen-character alphanumeric code assigned to each vehicle. It provides essential information about the car. The VIN is typically located on the door lock pillar or the door edge adjacent to the lock pillar. If there is insufficient space, it may be placed elsewhere. If consumers cannot locate it, they can refer to the vehicle's user manual. Functions of the VIN: 1. Identifying the vehicle, especially in special circumstances where more precise identification is required. 2. Checking traffic violations, as the VIN is necessary for querying violations. 3. Determining vehicle batches, such as checking if the vehicle is included in a recall.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is essentially a car's ID card, consisting of 17 digits. The first digit indicates the country of manufacture—for example, 'L' means the car was made in China, while '1' or '4' usually indicates a U.S.-made vehicle. The following alphanumeric combination reveals the brand and model, with companies like Toyota and Honda having their own unique code segments. The most important digit is the 10th one, which represents the year—for instance, 'J' stands for 2018, 'K' for 2019, and this year's new cars should start with 'R'. The last few digits are the serial number, unique to each vehicle. Last time I helped a friend buy a used car, I first checked the VIN to confirm it wasn't a flood-damaged vehicle, as this number can reveal accident history and recall information. During annual vehicle inspections, staff verify this number located at the bottom left of the windshield, so it's a good idea to keep a photo of it on your phone for reference.
