The VIN code or, more simply, the Chassis Number is a unique alphanumeric code, consisting of 17 characters, which is attributed to a vehicle at the time of its creation: it is used to identify the manufacturer, the model, the year of production and the factory of origin. The last 7 issues are dedicated to vehicle specifications and vary by manufacturer. This article will show you how to check the characteristics of a car by entering the VIN code in the appropriate section of the manufacturer's website.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Locating the VIN code
Step 1. Try to locate the VIN of the car
It is usually located on the driver's side, between the dashboard and the windscreen, on the engine or in the part that divides the doors, always on the right side. It is hardly found on a component that can be removed, but stamped on a plate punched into the supporting structure of the car.
Step 2. You can also find the Chassis Number on the car documents, for example on the registration certificate
In case of invasive changes to the vehicle, the VIN code should be updated by the competent authority.
Step 3. If you intend to buy a used car, you can request the VIN code from the seller
In principle, there should be no problems. Once obtained, you can do your research to extrapolate the history of the vehicle.
Part 2 of 4: Decode the VIN
Step 1. First check the manufacturer's identification code, consisting of the first three characters (numbers or letters) of the VIN code
- The first character indicates the country of origin, the second and third identify the manufacturer.
- These first three characters are not unique, but will be present on many cars.
Step 2. The 4th to 8th characters show the model, type and platform of the vehicle
This information is also needed to contact the manufacturer and ask for information about the vehicle's specifications.
Step 3. The 9th character does not actually refer to a specification, but is a control character
Step 4. Go to the 10th character, which indicates the model's year of construction
This information can also be found on the car's documents, or in the seller's documentation
Step 5. Go to the last 7 characters
This string is unique since it identifies the vehicle. By accessing the manufacturer's website, with this decoded piece of code you can find information about the car.
Part 3 of 4: Builder Website
Step 1. Find out which manufacturer produced the car
If you don't find this data anywhere, then look directly at the VIN from the car, you need the 4th to 8th characters. Or you can also use sites like Carfax or AutoCheck (they are American sites, unfortunately there are no fees in Italy), to extract the Vehicle History
Step 2. Go to the manufacturer's website, such as Ford, Honda or Subaru
Step 3. Search the site entries for "decode VIN / VIN number" or "search for VIN number / VIN number"
Step 4. Some sites have a dedicated area for decoding the VIN and, after searching, are able to indicate the car's specifications
Visit, for example, the estore.honda.com/honda/parts/use-your-vehicle-vin.asp page below.
Step 5. Enter your VIN code and click on "Search" (the site is in English)
Step 6. Check the car data report
This document should contain technical specifications such as drivetrain, trim and emissions. In addition, any changes to the model should be reported during production.
Unfortunately, there is no uniformity of data: each company has its own way of indicating this information, so a certain number does not always correspond to a complete data. If you do not find the search section on the manufacturer's website, contact the seller or call the manufacturer's assistance
Part 4 of 4: Vehicle Data Report
Step 1. Generally, the vehicle is checked, before sale, by the dealer or a dealer
If you need to buy a vehicle from a private individual, with the data in hand, contact the Motorization or the Police Headquarters.
Step 2. There are some sites that allow you to search for the Chassis Number, but it is not always possible to have data relating to vehicles, especially if produced in other countries
It is better to contact the seller and have him do a first search.
Step 3. You can try on this site https://www.dubnetworks.net/vw-vin-decoder.htm (or similar that you find in the drivers' forums) or contact the Motorist's Portal or the DMV for more detailed information on how to obtain vehicle information, and any documentation costs
Once you have the document, keep it.