Where are the engine number and chassis number located on a car?
2 Answers
The engine number is generally found on the outer surface of the engine block, or on the vehicle's nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's green book or the vehicle registration certificate. The engine number, like a person's ID number, represents each vehicle and contains crucial information about it. The chassis number is stamped on the vehicle's frame. The exact location varies by manufacturer, so it's advisable to consult your vehicle's manual. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, industry or company conventions, and the engine's attributes. It represents information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power, among others. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles are required to display the professional manufacturer's name, model, and production number. The chassis number, commonly referred to as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer to identify a vehicle. The VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code, also known as the 17-digit identification code, chassis number, or 17-digit number. The arrangement of the VIN ensures that no two vehicles of the same model will have the same number within 30 years, making it a unique identifier for the vehicle, often referred to as the "car's ID card." It is typically found in the following locations: on the vehicle registration certificate and on the lower left side of the front windshield. It's important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specifications and size of the engine within the manufacturer's lineup, and multiple engines can share the same model. The engine number, however, is the production serial number of the engine, with each engine having a unique number. The engine number is composed of several parts: Front section: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or company code, selected by the manufacturer as needed but must be approved and recorded by the industry's standardization authority. Middle section: Consists of symbols representing the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear section: Comprises symbols indicating structural and usage characteristics. End section: A distinguishing symbol. If differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same series, the manufacturer may choose an appropriate symbol, with the rear and end sections separated by a hyphen. The chassis number consists of 17 characters divided into three parts. Part one: WMI—World Manufacturer Identifier (positions 1-3); Part two: VDS—Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4-9); Part three: VIS—Vehicle Identifier Section (positions 10-17).
Speaking of this, I remember my first car—it took me quite a while to find these numbers, afraid I might miss something. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is usually on a small plate at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side, visible as soon as you sit in the driver's seat. It's like the car's ID card, used for insurance or transfer purposes. The engine number, on the other hand, requires opening the hood. You'll find it on the front or side of the engine block, like an engraved serial number—be careful not to scrub it too hard to avoid making it illegible. If you can't locate it, check the owner's manual or the label on the door. Older cars might have slightly different positions, but most of the time, they're around these spots. To save hassle, take a photo and store it safely, just in case you need it for troubleshooting or transferring ownership later.
