What number of numbers can you find in a VIN.
Each VIN is a 17-digit code with a serial number. Because of this many digits, no two cars manufactured within 30 years can have the exact same number.
Is the VIN number located on a car’s dashboard?
The VIN is usually located in multiple places such as the dashboard or the driver’s side label on the door. You’ll learn how to decode the VIN, and it will help you keep your car safe.
The VIN can be decoded
Although the VIN is unique to your car, it’s not a random collection of letters and numbers. You might consider it your car’s DNA sequence. Every letter and number in the code is important for the car.
Although VINs may seem complicated, there is a way out. Each part of the string is told by numbers and letters, except I, O Q, U, Z.
- Numbers 1 through 3: Country, region, and manufacturer of the vehicle.
- Numbers 4-8: These numbers are used by manufacturers for different purposes. They may detail weight, horsepower and platform as well as trim specifications and/or engine sizes.
- Numbers 9: A check digit is a number that is calculated from the other digits and which ensures the validity the VIN.
- Numbers 11: Place the car where it was made.
- Numbers 12-17 can be used to identify a sequence number within a model’s production lines (i.e., serial number).
How to check your VIN
The VIN is a great friend when you are looking to buy a used car. If the seller is honest, they will be happy to give you the number. You can also input the number on sites such as Carfax and Autocheck. They’ll let you know if the car has been stolen. If the VIN is not matching the vehicle you are looking at, these sites will give you the make, year, and model. Remember: VINs are located in several places on a vehicle. Make sure that the VIN on your dashboard matches the number on your door label.
How the VIN can help you save money
These services can provide the full car’s history for a nominal fee. This includes registrations and accidents. Insurance companies and mechanics keep track VINs and odometer readings. This information will help you make informed decisions and ensure that you get a fair price.
How the VIN can help you stay safe
A VIN search can be done with The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Transit Safety Administration to determine if your car is subject to recalls. You can also report a car accident or any other incident to the NHTSA by using the VIN. They will investigate whether your car or others similar to it should be recalled.
VINs used by criminals to harm us
To make a stolen vehicle appear legitimate, sophisticated criminals have created a way to “clone” its VIN. They first locate a car with the same make and model and then copy the VIN from the dashboard. They create a new VIN number and a fake title. Then they sell the car to the unsuspecting buyer.
How to use your VIN to prevent fraud
It can be difficult to spot vehicle cloning. Mike Kelso is a senior agent with the non-profit National Insurance Crime Bureau. He suggests that prospective buyers pay extra to have their VIN searched on Carfax and Autocheck. Then, scrutinize the results for any untrue movements. It is possible that two cars are in play if a vehicle has been registered in California for three years and then returned to California within months.
How to use your VIN to prevent theft
Vehicle cloning is not as common as many news reports claim. If you are concerned that your car might be stolen, you can make it less appealing by having your VIN etched on your windshield and windows. It’s too costly and time-consuming for average car thieves to replace all of those windows. They’ll likely find another target.
What the VIN can do to help you if your car is stolen
Keep a picture of your VIN in your phone so that you don’t lose precious time trying to track down your vehicle’s title in the event it disappears. Kelso says that filing theft claims is the first step. It is important to contact the police quickly and provide information about the vehicle. A quicker response can make all the difference in whether a stolen vehicle is recovered or lost for good.
