Where to Find the Engine Model Number?
2 Answers
Locations to find the engine model number: 1. Motor vehicle registration certificate (green book); 2. Driver's license; 3. Factory certificate of compliance; 4. Vehicle purchase invoice; 5. Vehicle purchase tax payment certificate; 6. For commercial vehicles, it can be found on the operation permit; 7. Compulsory traffic insurance policy; 8. Engine nameplate. The meaning of the engine model varies by brand, and according to safety regulations, the engine model cannot be arbitrarily altered. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, industry or company practices, and the attributes of the engine, for a batch of identical products.
I love tinkering with all kinds of cars, and checking engine models is a routine task for me. The easiest method is to pop open the hood and look for a small metal plate on the top or front side of the engine block, where the model number and letters are clearly stamped. If the engine is too dirty to read, try wiping it clean or using a flashlight. Another spot is the vehicle's VIN—located on the lower right corner of the windshield or the driver's door frame label. The 6th to 8th digits of that 17-character code represent the engine model; snap a photo with your phone and search online forums or decoding tools to quickly identify it. Don’t overlook the owner’s manual either—it often has a section listing all vehicle specs. I always advise friends to regularly document this info to avoid buying wrong parts or compromising performance during repairs. Last month, helping a friend fix an old car, getting the model right saved hundreds of dollars and loads of time!
