But what is a VIN number? This article covers everything you need to know about your vehicle identification number, how to decode it, and what it can tell you about your vehicle.
What Is a VIN Number?
A VIN number is a 17-digit code of letters and numbers, serving as a unique identifier for every motor vehicle.
In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission in the United States and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) implemented a policy that all vehicles manufactured must have a standardised VIN number.
Australia adopted the ISO-standard VIN in 1989. There are slightly different standards around the world. Australia uses the Australian Design Rule (ADR) mandate of ADR 61/2.
As a unique number, the VIN can reveal many vehicle details, including its history. The reason it is 17 digits long is to avoid confusion and duplication, accounting for every possible permutation.
The VIN is more reliable than an ordinary registration number. While a rego may change, the VIN remains the same, providing better registration records. You often need the VIN to register a vehicle, too.
What Do the Letters and Numbers in a VIN Mean?
A VIN is easy to decode if you know what each section of the serial number means.
Section 1: World Manufacturer Identifier
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) tells you where in the world the car was made and who the manufacturer is. There are three aspects to the WMI: the country of origin, manufacturer, and division.
The first digit identifies the country of origin. It could be a letter or number; for example, cars from the USA start with 1, 4, or 5; Canadian cars start with 2, Mexico with 3, Japan with J, South Korea with K, England with S, and Germany with W.
Next is the manufacturer code. Many car brands have the first letter of their name as their code, such as A for Audi, B for BMW, etc. However, A can also stand for Mitsubishi and Jaguar, and R can also mean Audi.
The third digit ties it together. Together with the second letter, this tells you the WMI code and explains the manufacturing division.
Notably, the manufacturer identifier refers to the manufacturer's head office, not the plant. So, if a Mercedes is produced in the UK, the code will still relate to Germany.
Section 2: Vehicle Descriptor Section
Digits 4-9 help to describe the vehicle, and also verify the validity of the VIN.
Digits 4-8 explain the vehicle's details, such as the model, engine code, and transmission type.
The ninth digit is the check digit. It detects invalid VINs using a mathematical formula developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Section 3: Vehicle Identifier Section
The next set of eight digits identifies the specific motor vehicle. This section can be split into two parts, with the first indicating some manufacturing information.
The tenth digit is a letter that indicates the model year. This can get a bit complicated. Firstly, vehicles manufactured before standardisation in 1981 cannot be decoded using the modern VIN structure. Secondly, the letters B to Y cover model years 1981 to 2000, but the VIN does not use I, O, Q, U, or Z.
Between 2001 and 2009, the numbers 1-9 replaced the letters. Then, in 2010, the alphabet started again from A and this system continues until 2030.
Next, the eleventh digit indicates the manufacturing plant. Each assembly plant in the automotive industry has a set of plant codes.
Section 4: Unique Production Numbers
Finally, digits 12 to 17 form a unique code given to every car on the assembly line. This production sequence forms the second part of the vehicle identifier section.
Decoding the Entire VIN Number
In short, a typical VIN number will look like this:
WBAYH3207LEB????? (The last four characters are question marks for security purposes)
W is the code for Germany, while the whole WDA segment shows that the car is a BMW. The next section (YH3207) relates to the specific car model, in this case, an X2. The manufacturer chooses a unique code for each model, and they may also change the code for different specifications.
After that comes the model year, with L indicating it was made in 2020. Then, the final digits explain the manufacturing plant and production process.
VIN decoders are available to help you figure it out online.
Where Is the VIN Number?
The vehicle's VIN can be in a few locations. In many cars, it is on the front of the dashboard on the driver's side; to see it, look through the windshield from the outside of the vehicle.
Alternatively, it could be inside the door pillar, again on the driver's side. Look around the door latches to spot it.
There are a few other places you might find it, but the vehicle's instruction manual will usually tell you where it is. Most VINs are stamped onto the vehicle frame, but others come in the form of self-voiding labels. The self-voiding label means it cannot be removed and reused for a stolen vehicle.
Note that if you have a classic car manufactured before 1981, your vehicle will not have a VIN number.
Why Do I Need to Know the VIN Number?
VIN lookup can help you identify the vehicle history, which is important for a variety of reasons. A car history check can tell you everything you need to know about passenger cars before you buy them, which is especially useful if you want to buy a used car.
A vehicle history report can tell you if a car has been damaged or stolen, which is definitely useful to know if you're buying a used car in a private sale. Since the VIN number cannot be changed, it can tell you everything about a particular vehicle and its history. No two vehicles have the same VIN, so you know all the information is correct.
The VIN system is designed to be foolproof. Before you buy a used car (or any car, for that matter), check the VIN and perform a VIN lookup to gain details about the vehicle's history. One of the easiest ways to tell something is wrong is if the VIN on the car doesn't match the one on the registration document. This usually indicates the car is stolen.
With a VIN lookup, you can also obtain a PPSR certificate that tells you about your vehicle. For example, PPSR certificates from Carify draw on data from Australia's National Vehicle Information System (NVIS), letting you know the car's model, country of origin, manufacturing information, and history with previous owners.
It's worth knowing if the vehicle has been stolen or damaged in the past before you spend money on a new car, and a VIN number can help you access this information.
What Are the Benefits of Checking a VIN Number?
There are some other benefits to knowing your vehicle's VIN. You do not need to memorise it, but you should know how to find it and write it down somewhere useful.
In some instances, manufacturers use the VIN to recall vehicles if there is a problem with a specific model or part. Recently, there were safety recalls for faulty Takata airbags, and drivers could check if their vehicles had the faulty parts by performing a VIN check.
In this instance, knowing the vehicle identification number is literally a lifesaver. It's worth familiarising yourself with it beyond just getting a vehicle history report.
Plus, when buying a new car, the vehicle identification number puts the power in the buyer's hands. It gives you a chance to check out where the car was made and what year it was really manufactured in, as well as verify some other specs about the vehicle type.
How Do I Check a VIN Number?
A VIN decoder can help you figure out some information about the vehicle yourself, but it won't tell you the full story. For a small fee, you can check out the entire history of a vehicle by using its identification number.
You can check a VIN number online anywhere that offers a vehicle history report. Carify is a great place to start: simply enter the vehicle identification number here, then download the comprehensive history report.
All motor vehicles have a different VIN, so there will be a unique report ready for you to verify the details about your vehicle.
Summary
A vehicle identification number (VIN) is kind of like a car's DNA. It's a completely unique code applied to every vehicle manufactured after 1981, detailing everything from the model year and engine size to the specs and the country where the car was produced.
It's helpful to know your car's VIN in case of a safety recall. It's even handier if you are buying a new car, as it can help you spot if something is wrong and if the vehicle might be stolen. You also need the VIN to obtain a history report, which can help you with registration, insurance, and more.
Download a detailed car history report today from Carify for the most transparent VIN check in Australia.
FAQs
1. Is the VIN Number the Same as the Chassis Number?
Yes and no. Sometimes, the VIN number is referred to as the chassis number, and some people use these terms interchangeably. The chassis number is the last six digits of the VIN, which tell you details about the body type and manufacturing process. In short, the chassis number is part of the VIN, but they are not exactly the same.
2. Is the VIN Number the Same as the Engine Number?
No. The engine number is a specific code attributed to the engine block. The engine number will be clearly visible on the body of the engine, with manufacturers obligated to make it clear on all vehicles.
3. How Do I Find Out My VIN Number?
Your VIN number will be located somewhere on the car. It is usually permanently marked somewhere on the chassis, typically around the driver's side or dashboard. The instruction manual typically indicates where the VIN is on each individual vehicle. You can also find it on the registration documents.
4. Can I Check My VIN Number on Carify?
You will need either your VIN or rego to check your car's history on Carify. Fortunately, a car history check can reveal the last five digits of your vehicle's VIN. As long as you know your VIN, you can enter it here to find out more about your car.
