What Does Your VIN Number Tell You?

Each vehicle has a unique 17 digit code - but what does it mean? Is there a pattern, or it is just random? We’ll solve the mystery for you!

#vinnumber #decoded #serialnumber

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You know that big long code that is stamped on your vehicle? It’s called a VIN - a vehicle identification number. Calling it a VIN Number is redundant, but it’s commonly said anyhow.

At first glance, that 17 digit code can look quite random, but it’s anything but. There is a set protocol and meaning for each digit or letter place. That’s been the case in the U.S. since 1981 when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States standardized the 17-character format. Here’s something interesting - you’ll never find the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) in a legitimate VIN. This is to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9. And, a VIN will only have capital letters and standard numbers.

OK, what does each letter or number mean? Depending on the position in the sequence, information such as manufacturer, year, make, model, engine size, and so forth are provided. You just gotta know the code, or use a decoder. Here are a couple that are offered online:

https://www.autozone.com/vin-decoder

https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/

Here is how the numbers and letters are arranged. There are three sections: 1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). 2. Description of the vehicle, and, 3. Vehicle identifier section.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first 3 digits. The first digit is the country where the vehicle as made, the second tells you the manufacturer, the third, in concert with the first two digits can tell you your vehicle type or the manufacturing division.

Now, let’s talk about the Vehicle Description Section - positions 4 through 9. The fourth through 8th digits tell details about the vehicle mode, such as engine, transmission, body and trim, etc.

Digit nine is the check digit to help detect expose VIN’s. It is generated by a formula originated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

That leaves digit 10 through 17 - this is the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The 10th position, since 1981, designates the vehicle year, while the 11th position, in North America is the plant location. The remaining numbers are usually simple unique sequential numbers as each vehicle was made.

If you really want to become a VIN wizard, check out this comprehensive treatise on all things VIN at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_identification_number

And now you know. You’ll be the conversation hit at the next backyard BBQ.

JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

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