What can you find out from a car's VIN code?

Posted by Jim Half on October 26th, 2024

For many people, the vehicle identification code is something unnecessary or useless. Most owners who buy cars from official dealers have never been interested in this data. In practice, this small set of numbers and letters is an individual code that contains important data about a specific car. In this article, we will figure out what can be learned from the VIN code of a car, what it looks like, where and why it is used.

What does a car's VIN code look like?

The car VIN code is a number of 17 characters, combining Latin letters and numbers. It is individual not only for series or models, but also for each specific vehicle. Even if the assemblies are absolutely identical visually, in terms of configuration and other parameters, they have different, namely, sequential serial numbers assigned at the production. As a result, the VIN can be called a unique indicator, like biometric data or a person's identification number, which allows you to track the history of movement, activity, presence in certain databases.

Symbol designations and how to read a car's VIN code correctly?

You can figure out what you can find out from the VIN of a car even without understanding the meaning of all the symbols. It is enough to specify the combination in the corresponding line when going to the traffic police database, another resource or service. If you decipher the meaning of the main definitions, you can quickly find out basic information, determine the country of manufacture and the main characteristics.

The VIN code is read from left to right. All data is divided into three parts:

  1. Country of manufacture. The first character identifies the parts of the world by continent. The second character indicates the country where the enterprise is registered, and the third is used for the National Organization of Manufacturers.
  2. Type, parameters of the car. After the first three characters, which can consist of both numbers and letters, comes the second part of the number of six values. It contains data on the body type, engine modification, series and model of the car.
  3. Assembly specification, manufacturer. After nine characters comes the third block of eight characters. This combination encrypts information about the production features, assembly plant.

Not all symbols of the second and third blocks are required to "carry" a certain meaning. If there are "gaps", they are filled with the letters "Z", the numbers "0" or "1" depending on the region or country.

Where is the VIN code of a car located?

The identification number is applied to non-detachable, stationary elements of the body, and the VIN is also indicated in the vehicle passport. For most models of modern cars, it can be found in the following places:

  • The threshold or pillar of the driver's door, sometimes under the sealing rubber.
  • The bulkhead and front of the engine compartment panel, on the engine itself.
  • The lower part of the windshield, if the car has factory glazing.
  • Inner arch of the front left wheel.

The combination of symbols is applied to the nameplate - a metal plate or sticker. There may also be additional information from the manufacturer.

In what cases can a car not have a VIN code?

Cars manufactured after 1980 and intended for export must have a VIN code. It is a generally recognized international identifier, the presence and correctness of which is monitored by employees of a special organization. The plate or part of the body may be damaged. At the same time, it is impossible to accidentally erase or replace all the markings, completely losing data about the car.

What can you find out from a car's VIN code?

You can use the unique VIN code of the car for convenient search of information on the websites of insurance and leasing service, the registry of pledges, in the traffic police database, and other official sources. The most convenient thing is that most checks are performed absolutely free of charge and allow you to get guaranteed reliable information. Let's look at the list of what you can find out by the VIN of the car:

  • Registration data. The VIN check allows you to find out the list of all owners since the first purchase of the car. The data history includes both legal entities and individuals who owned the equipment. The current owner will be listed last, which will allow you to determine who is selling the car and whether the car is still in someone else's ownership. Common ownership rights are often shared by spouses and relatives.
  • Technical data. Year of manufacture, address and legal name of the manufacturer, engine type, part numbers, which will significantly speed up the ordering of spare parts. The assembly code assigned to the model by the manufacturer upon completion of factory assembly is indicated separately.
  • The presence of an encumbrance. An encumbrance means a restriction of property rights due to legal grounds. These include a pledge or lease to guarantee the fulfillment of financial obligations. Arrest, due to failure to fulfill certain obligations, including those related to non-payment of alimony. A car loan taken out to purchase the same car and not fully repaid by the current owner.
  • Traffic police restrictions. A separate type of restrictions imposed by the State Inspectorate for violation of the rules of use, operation or registration of a vehicle. These may include restrictions or a complete ban on registration, technical inspection, disposal. This list also includes customs-related issues, non-compliance with current technical specifications stated in the documentation.
  • Involvement of transport in accidents. When buying a used car, it is important to know that you can find out the history of all accidents registered by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate and the insurance company by the VIN of the car. Detailed information can be obtained from the MREO upon an application addressed to the head of the department. A sample is always on the information stand. The data is also checked through the website, where the content may be less accurate, but it can be obtained instantly.

Using information that is provided upon request and is in the public domain, you can protect yourself as much as possible when buying a used car. Knowing the list of damages and participation in accidents will allow you to create the most favorable conditions for bargaining. Some owners arrange a VIN code check when buying a new car even from a dealer.

Like it? Share it!


Jim Half

About the Author

Jim Half
Joined: April 17th, 2020
Articles Posted: 16

More by this author