Where to Find the Engine Number?
2 Answers
The engine number is usually found on the outer surface of the engine block, or on the vehicle's nameplate, the nameplate inside the engine compartment. You can also check the engine number on the car purchase invoice; the factory certificate has the engine number; for commercial vehicles, the operating license can be used to query the engine number; the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate contains the engine number; the registration record with the public security authorities has the engine number; the vehicle insurance card includes the engine number; it is also located below the windshield directly in front of the driver's position. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's green book or the car's registration certificate. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle. It stores very important information about the vehicle. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine, for a batch of identical products. It is used to indicate information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power, etc. Engines installed in cars or multi-purpose passenger vehicles are marked with the professional manufacturer's name, model, and production number as required. It is important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specification and size of the engine within the manufacturer's range, and engine models can be the same. The engine number refers to the production number of the engine, where each engine can only have one engine number, and each engine's number is unique. Composition of the vehicle engine number: Front part: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or corporate code, which are selected by the manufacturer as needed with corresponding letters, but must be approved and recorded by the industry standard's centralized unit. Middle part: Consists of symbols for the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear part: Composed of symbols for structural features and usage characteristics. Tail part: Distinguishing symbol. When differentiation is needed within the same product series due to improvements or other reasons, the manufacturer selects appropriate symbols to indicate this, and the rear and tail parts can be separated by a hyphen.
As someone who drives regularly, I often need to locate the engine number. The most straightforward method is to pop the hood and inspect the engine itself. Typically, it's engraved on the metal casing at the front or side of the engine, such as near the engine block or cylinder head. If it's too dirty to read, a quick spray of cleaner and a wipe will reveal it. Additionally, the vehicle registration certificate clearly prints this information in the registration details section – just look there. I also recommend jotting it down or taking a photo as backup since you'll need it for selling used cars, insurance claims, or repairs. Last time my friend had engine trouble, the mechanic identified the number instantly to order parts. Don’t forget to check the engine bay nameplate too – some models place it there. Maintaining multiple document backups is always a good habit.
