Where to Find the Chassis Number and Engine Number?
2 Answers
Locating the Engine Model: The engine model can be found on the outer surface of the engine block, the vehicle's registration certificate, the motor vehicle registration certificate, the purchase invoice, the factory certificate of compliance, the operating license for commercial vehicles, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, public security registration records, the vehicle insurance card, and the actual engine (usually on the engine nameplate). The engine number, much like a person's ID number, represents each vehicle and stores crucial information about it. Locating the Chassis Number: The chassis number, also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), can be found on the vehicle's production nameplate. It is also visible on the inside of the front windshield on the driver's side, composed of letters and numbers. Opening the engine hood will also reveal the chassis number in the engine compartment. The chassis number, or the vehicle identification code, is a designated code assigned by the manufacturer to identify the vehicle. The chassis number is stamped on the vehicle's frame. The exact location varies by manufacturer, so consult your vehicle's manual for specifics. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with regulations, industry practices, and engine attributes. It represents information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, production process, usage, and batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles are marked with the manufacturer's name, model, and production number as required. The chassis number, commonly referred to as the VIN, is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer to identify a vehicle. The VIN consists of 17 alphanumeric characters, also known as the 17-digit identification code, chassis number, or 17-digit number. The combination of these characters ensures that no two vehicles of the same model will have the same number within 30 years, making it a unique identifier akin to a 'vehicle ID card.' Common locations include the vehicle registration certificate and the lower left side of the front windshield. 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 a unique production number assigned to each engine, with no two engines sharing the same number. Engine Number Composition: Prefix: Includes product series codes, revision symbols, and regional or manufacturer codes, selected by the manufacturer and approved by industry standardization bodies. Middle Section: Composed of symbols representing the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Suffix: Includes symbols for structural features and intended use. Tail: Differentiation symbols. Used to distinguish between products in the same series that have been modified, with the suffix and tail separated by a hyphen if necessary. The chassis number consists of 17 characters divided into three parts. Part 1: WMI—World Manufacturer Identifier (positions 1-3); Part 2: VDS—Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4-9); Part 3: VIS—Vehicle Indicator Section (positions 10-17).
In my years of driving experience, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and engine number have always been crucial identification codes for vehicles. The most common location for the VIN is at the lower left corner of the windshield—right by the glass in front of the driver's seat, where you can see a long string of alphanumeric characters just by looking down. Additionally, after opening the driver's door, there's usually a label on the inner door frame displaying it. The engine number is more hidden; you'll need to pop the hood, and it's typically found on a small plate attached to the engine block itself or engraved on a metal casting. When buying or selling a car, I always check these numbers against the registration certificate or insurance policy to prevent fraud. For routine maintenance, I make it a habit to take photos of these numbers and store them as backups on my phone, making it easier to provide them to repair shops when needed. Overall, regular verification can save a lot of hassle, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.