What is VIN Information?
2 Answers
VIN information consists of 17 characters, which include the vehicle's manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. The method to identify the production date from the VIN is: the 10th character of the VIN represents the production year of the vehicle. The specific production month cannot be queried, and the production year may be a number or a letter. The code cycles every 30 years, and the letters 'o' and the number '10' will not appear. The VIN indicates: 1. The first 3 characters represent the vehicle's production country, manufacturer, and vehicle type; 2. Characters 4 to 8 represent the vehicle's characteristics, such as the type of vehicle, body type, engine type, and gross vehicle weight rating information; 3. The 9th character is a check digit, used to verify the correctness of the VIN; 4. The 11th character represents the vehicle's assembly location; 5. Characters 12 to 17 of the VIN are the production sequence number.
When I first bought my car, I also researched the VIN. This 17-digit code is essentially the vehicle's ID card. You can find it on the label at the lower left corner of the windshield or on the engine compartment nameplate. Last time I helped a friend check a used car, I simply looked up the VIN with my phone and pulled up the complete maintenance records—even showing which year the transmission was replaced. What's more practical is that mechanics use it to match original parts during repairs. When transferring ownership, the DMV also verifies this code, so never attempt to alter or scrape off the VIN—it's illegal tampering with vehicle information. Always remember to cross-check the VIN with your documents during inspections.
