VIN code is an easy and reliable way to classify cars and protect them from car thieves. A simple combination of characters and numbers can provide you with a whole bundle of information. That’s why it is the first thing that you need to check when buying a used car.
There are many reasons why you need to be able to read a VIN code. For example, you can do a GA title check to get information not only about the country of origin but also about the release date of the car. In addition, you can also find out how many owners the car had, how many accidents it was involved in, and even how it was serviced and repaired. In this review, you will learn what a VIN code is and where to find it.
Why Do You Need to Read a VIN in the Car?
This alphanumeric code performs two important functions: it identifies the vehicle and stores information about it. The VIN code is entered in all accompanying documents for the car, such as the vehicle passport, registration certificate, warranty card, and insurance policy. By the VIN code, you can find out information about the country of production, manufacturer, body type, and engine, as well as a specific manufacturing plant. This information is usually encoded in the first eight characters of the VIN.
In addition, it is the VIN code that allows you to check the history of the car. Thus, you can find out about repairs after an accident and whether the car is pledged or not listed as stolen. This information is of particular value to the used car buyer. In the secondary car market, cases of forgery and substitution of documents, as well as damage to the VIN, are not uncommon. As a result, it will be impossible to register such cars during registration, and therefore drive, sell, etc. But you can easily identify such cases by checking the VIN code details.
Where Can You Find the VIN in the Car?
The VIN is intentionally duplicated in several places: this way, it can be more secure, and the identification number itself is easier to find. The location depends on the model and makes of the car, but traditionally the VIN code is located:
- Under the windshield;
- On the threshold or pillar of the driver’s door;
- In front of the cylinder block, directly on the engine;
- On the bulkhead of the engine shield;
- Near or on a heat-insulating partition;
- On the bracket supporting the radiator;
- On the inner arch of the left wheel.
What to Do If the Car Does Not Have a VIN?
A car may not have a VIN code in only two cases:
- First, if the car is very old. VIN first appeared in the United States in 1977. The rest of the countries “pulled themselves up” somewhat later. Therefore, if you buy, for example, a convertible from the 50s, then the absence of a VIN is absolutely normal. There will be no problems with registering such a vehicle;
- Secondly, VIN may not be available on Japanese cars made for the domestic market.
In both cases, such a vehicle will be identified by its body number. But still, it is better to buy a car with a VIN code that you can check.
