What do the letters and numbers in a vehicle Identification Number mean?
Most people don't know what a vehicle identification number is.They know that each car has its own number.What do those letters and numbers mean?Why do we have vehicle identification numbers?
The vehicle identification number is broken down in this article.We will discuss why these numbers are so important.You wouldn't know what kind of information these numbers provide.You might be surprised at how these numbers can be used.
You only have to look in one of two places if you don't know where to find the vehicle identification number.You can find the VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard.It is stamped on a small plate.It can be found on the engine's firewall.The police or your mechanic can find the number if someone tries to pry it off the dashboard.
Most people think their VIN is a random combination of letters and numbers.There are millions of combinations of letters and numbers.There are 17 different digits or letters in the vehicle.There is a special meaning to each of these.
Many people think the VIN is only used for registration.If you have ever looked at your registration card from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will see the VIN is printed on it.The card you fill out when you apply for a new registration will ask for this information.This number is on an auto.
There are many different types of information that can be gleaned from your VIN.Some of these include.
Like your car's fingerprints, your vehicle identification number is kind of like that.It cannot be changed, removed or altered.It gives you a lot of information about your car.
It makes sense that the police and the manufacturer use your vehicle identification number.There are other ways that knowing your VIN can help you.
You can use your VIN to order replacement parts.You can use this information to order parts online.If you call a repair shop to get an estimate on how much repairs will cost, they may ask for your vehicle identification number.
You can check to see if there have been any recalls on your car using your vehicle identification number.When the manufacturer sends a recall notice, you don't get it in the mail.Maybe you have it but can't find it.The easiest way to do a search online is by entering your VIN.
If you want to sell your car privately, you should do an accident and owner history.You can do it online as well.You can get a car history report.You don't want to sell a car and find out later that it was involved in an accident before you buy it.
If you want to trade your car for a new one, make sure you run the VIN.This will show you what the dealership will see when they check your car.It is better to know this information in advance.
Your fingerprints are similar to your VIN.You can't change them.Why would you want to change it?This is what people do when they steal a car.They probably won't know to check the engine's firewall.At some point, the police will be able to find your vehicle.
Thieves try to do these things.Just like criminals try to change their fingerprints by burning their fingertips, car thieves attempt the same thing with their vehicle identification number.They may remove letters and numbers in order to prevent the police from identifying the car as stolen.They can replace the VIN plate with another one.The police will eventually find the correct information if this does buy the thief some time.They can check the engine.They can find the manufacturer and get the correct number.The police have access to a lot of information.
Criminals would want to change or destroy the vehicle identification number.They don't want the police to be able to see the car's serial number.If they want to sell a stolen car, it's the same.The prospective buyer would be able to see that it was stolen if they changed the VIN.
Criminals are not the only ones who try to change a VIN.Some people think that a prospective buyer won't know the car was involved in a terrible accident if they change the identification number.If someone doesn't want to pay to register a car, it can be true.They don't think they'll have to worry about fines or tickets if the VIN is not obvious to the police.
Don't try to change your VIN, it's the best thing to do.It is there for a reason.You wouldn't think about changing your identification number.Don't bother if you were thinking of doing this.It will make life harder for you.