What to Do If the VIN is Too Faint?

[TravisFitz]

If the VIN is too faint, it needs to be refurbished. Due to the importance of the VIN for the vehicle, it is generally recommended not to handle it yourself. Additionally, before going to a professional workshop for refurbishment, you need to report and apply to the vehicle management office for permission to refurbish the VIN. Below are some relevant details: 1. Surface Rust: If the VIN only has surface rust, you can first use a specialized rust remover (such as WD-40 Rust Remover). If the rust is deeper, you can spray the rust remover, gently sand it with 0-grade sandpaper, or use a steel brush to clean it. 2. Severe Corrosion: If the VIN is severely corroded and the inside is already damaged, applying rust remover may still not make it visible. In this case, you must report to the vehicle management office and apply for refurbishment. If the VIN has become blurred over time, it is recommended to go to a professional repair shop for refurbishment.

[McCassidy]

A few days ago, my cousin also ran into this issue—the VIN on his seven- or eight-year-old pickup truck was nearly worn smooth. I told him to first use a wire brush dipped in gasoline to gently scrub the engraved area, being careful not to apply too much pressure and damage the frame. If the rust is too thick, he’d need to use a professional rust remover paste, let it dry, and then apply a coat of rust-proof oil for protection. If the VIN still isn’t legible after cleaning, he’d have to use a hammer and steel stamping tools to re-engrave it. But it’s crucial to remember to file the changes with the DMV, bringing documents like the vehicle registration and invoice to follow the official modification process. Altering the VIN privately is illegal and will cause problems during annual inspections or ownership transfers. Also, when parking, avoid letting the VIN area sit in water—standing water causes the fastest corrosion.

[SanGenesis]

Last time at the repair shop, the mechanic mentioned the issue of fading VIN numbers, saying the most common cause is actually metal oxidation. He suggested soaking a cloth with WD-40 spray, applying it for about ten minutes until the rust softens, then scrubbing with a stiff brush. If the letter outlines are still visible but uneven in depth, try filling the grooves with white chalk and wiping the surface clean to enhance the black-and-white contrast. For completely worn-off numbers, he recommended using a spot welder for shallow repair welding before re-engraving, though this skilled task should be handled by a sheet metal specialist. Don't forget to take before-and-after photos as evidence, which will be useful for registration updates.

[AaronMarie]

Don't panic if you find the VIN is unclear. Last time before my vehicle inspection, this method worked well for me. Take a clean towel dipped in engine oil and repeatedly wipe the engraved area—the grease in the grooves will dissolve and be removed. If the edges of the letters still aren't clear, place a piece of lead rubbing paper over the VIN location and gently scrape it a few times with the side of a coin. The characters will transfer completely onto the paper. During the annual inspection, presenting the rubbing is equally valid, saving you the hassle of on-the-spot handling. Of course, this is just an emergency fix. Afterwards, it's best to apply a transparent anti-rust paint to the VIN to prevent it from fading further.