Where to Find the VIN?
3 Answers
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can generally be viewed through the following three channels: On the front partition panel in the engine compartment, on the left side of the vehicle dashboard (visible from outside the vehicle through the front windshield), or on the vehicle's nameplate located on the central pillar. The 10th character in the VIN represents the vehicle's production year. Below is a detailed introduction to the VIN: Among the 17 characters of the VIN, the first three characters represent the vehicle's country of production, manufacturer, and vehicle type, respectively. Characters 4 to 8 of the VIN indicate vehicle characteristics, such as the type of vehicle, body style, engine type, and gross vehicle weight rating, among other information. The 9th character is a check digit used to verify the correctness of the VIN. The 10th character indicates the production year, serving as proof of when the vehicle was manufactured. The 11th character represents the vehicle's assembly location, with "0" indicating original factory assembly. Characters 12 to 17 of the VIN represent the production sequence number. This is used by manufacturers to recall vehicles with quality issues based on their production sequence. The functions of the VIN are as follows: To confirm the vehicle's identity, especially in special circumstances where more accurate identification is needed. For traffic violation queries, the VIN is required to check for violations. To check vehicle batches, such as determining if a vehicle falls within a recall range. For precise parts lookup. If you are unsure about part numbers, you can search by entering the VIN, a method commonly used by after-sales personnel.
Finding the VIN is quite simple. I usually check these spots: First, look at the lower left corner of the windshield, under the wipers there's a black area where a 17-digit alphanumeric combination is printed. If the windshield tint covers it, open the passenger door, and you'll find the VIN engraved on the nameplate below the B-pillar. Some off-road vehicles have it near the firewall in the engine bay. Last time I helped my cousin inspect his car, we found his Jeep's VIN stamped on the inner frame near the left front wheel. It's best to jot it down when registering the vehicle, as the Vehicle Conformity Certificate, the first page of the insurance policy, and the duplicate page of the vehicle license all print this number. If you really can't find it, an old mechanic taught me a trick: crouch near the left front wheel and look towards the inner side of the chassis beam, as 90% of models have the stamp there.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is like a car's ID card, and I always verify it when purchasing used vehicles. There are three common locations: the easiest is to look through the front windshield at the lower part of the driver's side—it's especially clear on sunny days; if that's too much trouble, simply open the passenger door, and the second line on the silver nameplate on the door frame is the VIN. Friends who are into car modifications should note that there's also a stamped VIN on the chassis frame, specifically on the beam about 30 centimeters behind the left front wheel. Last time, when helping a neighbor with a vehicle transfer, I discovered that the VIN location for new energy vehicles is quite special—Tesla hides it in a groove under the trunk floor. All official documents, including the third page of the green title, list the VIN, so remember to bring ink paste and tape when getting a rubbing for the annual inspection.
