Quite often today you can hear a request to show the VIN code of a car. Advanced drivers are familiar with what it is. Simply put, it is the chassis number. But let's delve deeper into this concept.

The VIN code of a car is its own identification number, assigned to the vehicle at the manufacturing stage. It is usually looked at before buying a car, especially if the car is used. Particular attention is paid to this nuance because often the numbers on the body can be re-stamped. Also, the VIN code can be used to VIN check for theft: just enter the code in a special directory, of which there are now many on the Internet. Thus, this is a kind of vehicle passport, in the absence of which (for example, as a result of damage in an accident) some difficulties may arise.

It is important to know that the location of the chassis number may vary from car to car. So if you are wondering where the chassis number is located, this article is for you.

Most often, the VIN code can be found under the hood, in a special window with a barcode located on the windshield.

Pay attention to the floor covering near the driver's seat or to the driver's door pillar.

"Where is the chassis number on American cars?" you may ask. American cars are somewhat different from domestic and European cars. Often, in an American car, you can see the VIN code right on the dashboard on the driver's side. It can be easily seen where the hood and windshield meet. Duplicating the VIN code provides greater security against theft.

The traditional location of the body number is considered to be such parts as the cylinder block, the cylinder head, the partition between the engine and the passenger compartment. On cars with a frame structure, the manufacturer applies this code to the side members. You can also find this mark in a visible place in the engine compartment. Such a plate is firmly attached to the engine with rivets or screws.

Deciphering the identification number

In addition to finding the VIN code, it is very useful to be able to decipher and understand what the letters and numbers in it mean. Let's look at the meaning of each of the VIN code symbols:

1. Geographical area.
2. Country in this zone.
3. The third symbol indicates the car manufacturer. If you see the number 9 in this place, it means that the manufacturer produces less than 500 cars per year.
4. In symbols 4 through 8 you can find information about the vehicle body, the model of the car itself, the configuration and the engine.
5. The 9th digit is relevant for manufacturers from the USA or China.
6. The 10th character indicates the model year of the vehicle.
7. The 11th digit will provide useful information about the manufacturing company.
8. The remaining symbols indicate the sequence in which the car was assembled on the factory conveyor.

Useful tips

1. If you want to buy a car, before the meeting you should find out which car has all the VIN codes so that you can look for them yourself, and not have the seller show you the ones that are beneficial only to him. If the labeled plate is attached with rivets, you should carefully inspect the area around it to see if there are any scratches or small dents nearby, since rivets significantly complicate the task of removing such a plate without causing damage nearby. With a plate on screws, things are much simpler, it can be replaced with another one without any difficulty.
2. If your car has been in an accident and is heavily damaged, bodywork must be done carefully to avoid damaging the identification number. If it is damaged or the body needs to be completely replaced, find out about the possibility of drawing up legal documents about the work performed, indicating the reasons for the absence of the VIN code.