5 Easy Steps to Decode a Vehicle Identification Number.

A VIN, or vehicle identifying number, has been assigned to every car produced since 1981. It is a 17-digit unique code. What makes the VIN significant? It is used to specify the make, model, year, and other crucial vehicle information about the car. The history of a vehicle can be learned by decoding the VIN, which can help you decide whether or not to buy a used car, truck, van, RV, or motorcycle. You can follow the instructions in this article to decode a VIN.

Step 1: Find the VIN
The dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, and the engine block are a few places on the car where the VIN can be located. The dashboard, on the driver’s side, next to the windshield, is the most typical location. Look for a metal plate or sticker, search for a string of 17 letters and numbers.

Step 2: Be familiar with the VIN format
(Get a free enlarged PDF of the above VI|N Chart. Click here.)
The WMI (global manufacturer identifier), the VDS (vehicle descriptor section), and the VIS are three portions of the 17-character VIN (vehicle identifier section). The WMI, which makes up the first three characters of the VIN indicates the manufacturer, country of origin and type of vehicle. The fourth through the eighth characters of a vehicle’s identification number (VDS) contain details about the vehicle’s model body type, engine type, and transmission.
The vehicle’s distinctive features, such as its manufacturing number, are identified by the VIS, which comprises the ninth through 17th characters.(I recently discovered that our Volkswagen Tiguan was made in Mexico after checking the VIN. When we purchased our new Tiguan, we were told it was made in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A car salesperson telling a fib? Shocking.)

Step 3: The WMI Decoded
The nation of origin is indicated by the first character of the VIN.
As an illustration, the numbers 1, 4, and 5 denote the United States, whereas 2 denotes Canada.
The manufacturer is indicated by the second and third characters.
There is a distinct code for each manufacturer, such as 1F for Ford and JT for Toyota.
The type of vehicle, such as a truck or passenger car, is indicated by the third character.

Step 4: The VDS decoded
Model, body type, engine type, and gearbox details are shown by the VIN’s fourth through eighth characters. A VIN decoder chart lists the specific codes that each manufacturer uses for these characters.

Step 5: Decode the VIS
The ninth through seventeenth characters of the VIN contain details regarding the VIS particulars of the vehicle.
The model year is represented by the tenth character, such as A for 1980 or E for 1984.
The vehicle’s manufacturing plant is indicated by the 11th character, and the production number is shown by the 12th through the 17th characters.

Decoding the VIN might reveal essential details about the car, but it’s also crucial to look at the VIN history record. A VIN history report offers details on the car’s ownership and accident histories, among other crucial details.
Many web services provide in-depth VIN history reports for a fee.

In conclusion, when you are able to decode a vehicle identification number, you have mastered a crucial step on your path to purchasing a previously owned vehicle.
You can gather useful information about the vehicle’s history and make an informed purchase decision by comprehending the VIN format and decoding each section.

It’s also crucial to examine the VIN history report to make sure the car hasn’t been in any severe collisions, flood, or has any other problems that might damage its worth, functionality, or safety.