Where to Find the Vehicle Engine Number and Chassis Number?

[LeJulian]

Checking the engine model: The engine number can be found on the outer surface of the engine block, or on the vehicle nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. It can also be checked on the car purchase invoice, the vehicle's factory certificate, the operation certificate of commercial vehicles, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, the registration record at the public security authority, or the vehicle insurance card. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's administrative green book or the vehicle registration certificate. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle and storing very important information about the car. Checking the chassis number: The chassis number, also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), can be found on the vehicle's production nameplate. It can also be seen on the inside of the front windshield near the driver's seat, composed of letters and numbers. Opening the engine hood will also reveal the chassis number in the engine compartment. It is usually located on the door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or one of the door edges near the driver's seat. The chassis number can also be found on the vehicle registration certificate, owner's manual, or insurance policy. The chassis number, or vehicle identification code, is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish each vehicle. The chassis number is stamped on the vehicle's frame. The exact location varies by manufacturer, so it's best to consult the vehicle's manual. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer according to regulations, industry practices, and engine attributes. It represents 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. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles are required to display the manufacturer's name, model, and production number. The chassis number, commonly referred to as the VIN, is a 17-character code consisting of letters and numbers. This unique combination ensures no duplication within 30 years for the same model, making it the "vehicle's ID card." It is typically found on 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 within the manufacturer's range, which can be the same for multiple engines. The engine number, however, is a unique production identifier assigned to each individual engine. Engine number composition: Front part: Includes product series code, generation symbol, and regional or manufacturer code, selected by the manufacturer but must be approved and registered with the industry standard authority. Middle part: Consists of symbols for the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear part: Includes symbols for structural and usage features. Tail part: Differentiation symbol. Used to distinguish improved or modified versions, separated from the rear part by a hyphen if necessary. The chassis number consists of 17 characters divided into three parts: WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier, positions 1-3), VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section, positions 4-9), and VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section, positions 10-17).

[StDaniel]

I've been driving for over 30 years and know these vehicle identification locations very well. The engine number is usually under the hood, stamped on the metal surface of the engine block, though its position may vary across different models - in most cases it's on the right side of the engine near the cylinder block. After opening the hood, you need to inspect carefully as it might be covered by oil stains that require wiping. As for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), newer models typically have it displayed on a transparent label at the lower left corner of the windshield, clearly visible from outside the vehicle. Older models may have it on a label inside the door frame or on a bracket in the engine compartment. I remember when I was younger selling a car for transfer, we couldn't find the VIN until discovering it at a hidden spot beneath the bumper - fortunately it became visible after cleaning. These numbers are extremely important as they're mandatory for procedures like vehicle transfer, insurance claims or traffic violation processing, so make sure they're never soiled or illegible. My advice is to pop the hood every few months to check and maintain their readability, preventing hassles during urgent situations.