Where to Find the Car Model Number?
2 Answers
The car model number can be found on the vehicle's identification plate, which is located at the lower part of the front passenger door. This plate contains a unique identifier composed of pinyin letters and Arabic numerals, indicating the car's brand, type, and key specifications. The vehicle identification plate is a label that displays the fundamental characteristics of the car, including the brand, model, engine power, total weight, load capacity or passenger capacity, manufacturing serial number, production date, and manufacturer name. Rules for the vehicle identification number (VIN): 1. Positions 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), indicating the manufacturer of the vehicle; 2. Positions 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), detailing the vehicle type, body style, etc.; 3. Position 9: Check digit, used to prevent input errors through a specific algorithm; 4. Position 10: Model year, as designated by the manufacturer, with a maximum difference of one year from the actual production year; 5. Position 11: Assembly plant.
Having driven for over a decade, I've noticed that the vehicle model is most commonly found on the small nameplate by the driver's door frame—just open the door to see the full name and production year clearly printed, super convenient. It's also printed on the insurance policy and vehicle registration for reference. Why is it important? For instance, during maintenance, when the mechanic asks for your car model, you can provide it directly to get the right oil filter, saving time on guesswork. Some cars also have it on labels under the hood, though the location may vary, with SUVs usually displaying it more prominently. My advice? Take a photo and save it on your phone—handy for quick reference if you ever forget, avoiding unnecessary hassle.