Where is the engine number of a motor vehicle located?
2 Answers
Motor vehicle engine numbers can be found on the vehicle license, motor vehicle registration certificate, car purchase invoice, factory certificate, operating license for commercial vehicles, vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, public security authority registration records, vehicle insurance card, and the actual engine (usually on the engine nameplate). The engine number is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine, for a batch of identical products. It represents information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine. This includes details like fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power.
When I first started learning car repair, my mentor taught me how to locate the engine number. It's usually found on the engine block in the engine bay, near the cylinder head edge or firewall area, varying by car model. For example, Volkswagen often places it on the left side, while Toyota might have it on a small plate at the front. Pick a nice day, park and turn off the engine, wear gloves to avoid burns, open the hood, wipe off any dust first, and slowly search with a flashlight. Some older cars have heavy rust, making it hard to see—consult the manual's diagram if needed. Remember not to crawl under the car recklessly to avoid injury. This number is crucial for maintenance records or repairs. If you can't find it, just ask the dealership—they have professional tools to check it quickly and safely. For my own Honda, I had to park roadside and wait patiently for the engine to cool down before I could see it clearly.
