Different parts of a car might be made in different countries, then sent to one plant to be put together to make your car. The eleventh character indicates the assembly plant.The tenth character indicates the model year of the car, like 2008, 2009, etc.The ninth character in your VIN number is a security code that indicates that the VIN number is authorized for use by the manufacturer.Characters four through eight indicate the vehicle brand, as well as engine size and type.The second and third characters tell you the manufacturer of your car, like Toyota or Honda.Was it built in North America or overseas? The first character of your VIN indicates the continent where the vehicle was built.When you’re performing a VIN check on your car and need to know how to decode VIN numbers, keep the following in mind: Your VIN number can tell you a lot about your car, including its airbag type, country of origin, engine size, and even turning diameter. On your insurance card and insurance policy.On a plate or sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.Stamped on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side of the vehicle.You can typically find your car’s VIN number in a few places: Think of your car’s VIN number like its DNA-it’s unique to your vehicle, doesn’t change, and can provide valuable information about the vehicle. Vehicles made prior to 1981 may have fewer than 17 characters.Įvery VIN number is different, and a VIN number will not change during the lifetime of a vehicle. Regardless, we all tend to do it.) A VIN is a series of 17 numbers and letters that an automobile manufacturer assigns to every individual vehicle. VIN is an abbreviation for “vehicle identification number.” (Saying “VIN number” is a little redundant. Don’t be caught off guard when you head out to the driveway, parking lot, or garage to find it! Learn what a VIN number is, how to perform a VIN check, what VIN decoders are for, and more! What is a VIN number? Knowing what a VIN number is can be especially helpful when getting a quote for car insurance, buying a new car, or getting a vehicle history report on a used car you’d like to buy.

Vin serial number decoding