Where to Check the Car Model?
2 Answers
To check the car model, you can refer to the vehicle identification plate, which details the manufacturing date, engine displacement, power (KW), and other parameters. The location of the plate varies by vehicle but is generally found on the lower part of the passenger side door; opening the door will reveal it. The car model is a unique identifier assigned to a class of vehicles, consisting of pinyin letters and Arabic numerals. According to national standards, domestic car models should indicate the manufacturer, type, and key characteristic parameters. The vehicle identification plate is a label that displays the vehicle's basic features, including the manufacturer, model, engine power, total mass, load capacity or passenger capacity, serial number, manufacturing date, and manufacturer's name. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) coding rules: Positions 1-3 represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), indicating the vehicle's manufacturer. Positions 4-8 (VDS) describe the vehicle's characteristics, such as type and body style. Position 9 is a check digit, calculated to prevent input errors. Position 10 indicates the model year, as designated by the manufacturer (Model Year), which may not match the actual production year but usually does not differ by more than one year. Position 11 identifies the assembly plant. Positions 12-17 are the serial number. Typically, vehicle recalls target a specific range of serial numbers, corresponding to a particular batch of vehicles.
I usually drive for daily commuting, and I often find the car model on the vehicle itself. For example, I check the metal nameplate on the B-pillar on the passenger side when opening the door—it directly displays the model and VIN, which is clear and counterfeit-proof. The vehicle license is also a handy tool; just flip it open to find the details, and it’s accurate for repairs or insurance. Opening the hood, the label near the engine might also include model information. I make a habit of taking photos of these and saving them in my phone gallery to avoid forgetting. In modern new cars, you can also find the vehicle information menu in the settings on the central control screen, making it quick to check. When buying a car, always double-check the nameplate and vehicle license to avoid being tricked into buying the wrong model. Last time, a friend didn’t check carefully and ended up with a base model posing as a high-end one, leading to mismatched repair parts and big trouble. Don’t find it bothersome when driving daily—just develop small habits, and it’ll be easy.
