How to know about Vehicle Identification Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is basically a serial number for any vehicle. It is 17 characters long and is a mix of numbers and alphabets. Each character or digit has a particular purpose. Given letters are not included in the VIN number, I (i), O (o), or Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 1 and 0). It displays vehicles uniqueness and heritage and provides a form of factory to scrap yard identification. It can be used to track recalls, registrations, guarantee, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.

Vehicle Identification Number is almost equivalent to human "DNA". VIN helps buyers or used vehicle importers to identify many things regarding the vehicle such as its condition, any accident history. Vehicle history gives detailed history to the buyer regarding the vehicle. It is important for buyer to match the VIN and vehicle’s history.

A Vehicle Identification Number is marked onto a small metal plate and usually fixed to the driver’s side of the dashboard so that it is visible through the windshield. In the case of theft, it is used by police, in case of accidents by insurance companies, and by manufacturing companies for recall, mechanics or anyone that has a need to identify the vehicle or its attributes. The VIN number is stamped generally on the engine block, even though the vehicle manufacturers can stamp it anywhere.

How to understand vehicles VIN?

The 17 digit characters are used to set out the vehicle from other vehicles present in the market. It is divided into four parts:

• World Manufacturers Identification (WMI three numbers or letters)
• Vehicle Description Section (VDS five numbers or letters)
• The VIN Accuracy Check Digit (one number)
• Vehicle Identification Section (VIS eight numbers or letters)

Complete description of all 17 characters of Vehicle Identification Number:-

1. The first character identifies the manufactures country.
2. The second number or letter identifies the car manufacturer.
3. The third character is for vehicle type or manufacturing department.
4. While from fourth to eighth characters identify attributes of the vehicle, like body style (like sedan, hatchback, SUV) and engine type.
5. The ninth digit uniquely identifies the car, ensuring that no two cars within a 30 years period will have the same VIN number.
6. The 10th character is the model year.
7. The 11th is the assembly plant.
8. The 12th to 17th identifies the sequence of the vehicle rolling off the production line; the last four characters are always numeric.

Use of VINs while buying a used car:-

Japan is a pioneer of automobile industry. Many vehicles are produced and exported from Japan every year. The used market of Japan is also very vast and popular across the globe. Large numbers of used vehicles are exported to almost all countries in the world. There are many used vehicle exporters in Japan who are in the business of exportation from years. Japanese exporters are known for their honesty and trustworthiness, but still there are few who in order to make some profit does not disclose complete information regarding the vehicle’s condition. There are many things a seller may not disclose to a buyer, such as a salvage title, flood damage or an odometer rollback. Any of these and other issues can affects the safety, performance and even value of a used vehicle. So in case seller hide or refuse to disclose the VIN, that could be a sign of that seller do not want you to learn vehicles history.