Where to Find the Vehicle Engine Number?
2 Answers
Vehicle engine numbers can be found in: 1. Vehicle registration certificate; 2. Motor vehicle registration certificate; 3. Car purchase invoice; 4. Factory certificate of compliance; 5. Operating license for commercial vehicles; 6. Public security authority registration records; 7. Vehicle insurance card; 8. Engine nameplate. Components of engine number: 1. The prefix consists of product series symbols and generation markers, represented by letters chosen by the manufacturer as needed; 2. The middle section includes symbols for cylinder count, stroke type, cylinder arrangement, and cylinder diameter; 3. The suffix denotes structural and usage characteristics with letters; 4. The tail section uses distinguishing symbols when differentiation is required for improved products within the same series, selected appropriately by the manufacturer.
Speaking of where to find the vehicle engine number, I've driven for decades and have deep experience with this. The thing is usually engraved on the engine block itself—just pop the hood and you'll see it. For older cars like my '90s Santana, the number was stamped on a metal plate next to the cylinder head, easy to feel once you peel it open. But modern cars have more complex designs—some hide it near the firewall or deep in the engine bay. For example, SUVs might require leaning in from the side to spot it. Why check it? It’s essential for ownership transfers or engine replacements. Last time I handled a transfer, I wasted a whole day because I couldn’t locate the number correctly. Different cars place it differently—German cars favor the left side, while Japanese models tend to put it on the right. My advice? Check in good lighting, use a phone flashlight for help, and be careful not to burn yourself on hot engine parts—those metal components get scorching. If you can’t find it, don’t panic—flip through the manual or ask a mechanic. Experience comes with time.
