Where to Find the Car Engine Model Number?
3 Answers
There are several ways to check a car's engine model number: 1. Vehicle registration certificate; 2. Motor vehicle registration certificate; 3. Factory certificate of conformity; 4. Operating license for commercial vehicles; 5. Registration with public security authorities; 6. Vehicle insurance card; 7. On the actual engine of the vehicle. The car engine model number consists of product series symbols and generation markers, with letters chosen by the manufacturer as needed, subject to approval by relevant authorities. The engine model number is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with regulations, industry practices, and engine attributes, representing information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine.
Last time I helped my young neighbor find his engine model number, I discovered several places to check. The most straightforward way is to pop open the front hood - there's usually a rectangular aluminum plate on the engine block's metal casing with the model number engraved on it. On some vehicles, this plate might be located on the side or upper part of the engine, requiring a flashlight to spot. If you can't find it there, check the 17-character VIN label at the bottom of the passenger door frame or below the B-pillar - digits 6 through 8 typically indicate the engine code. When in doubt, the engine specifications section of your owner's manual will have the definitive answer. If all else fails, don't force it - most brand websites can pull up complete configuration details by entering the VIN, which is far easier than guessing blindly.
When I first bought my car, I was also puzzled about where to find the model. Later, a mechanic taught me a practical method: first check the Vehicle Conformity Certificate (that yellow sheet from license plate registration), where the full model is printed in the engine section. For daily use, the alphanumeric combination in the 'Brand Model' field on the duplicate of the vehicle license is it. The laziest way is to call the after-sales service of the 4S store with the VIN number on the lower left corner of the windshield—they can look it up in no time. Veteran drivers remind us to pay special attention: for used cars with modified engines, the position of the nameplate may have changed, so it's best to check the registration information in the green book.
