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Simply put, a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is as simple as it sounds: it identifies your auto from other ones on the road. Most of us do not have to deal with a VIN number on a daily basis, nor do we even really notice that it is even affixed to our car (except maybe when you happen to see it on a registration document or something to that effect). The question is though, at least in this case, what exactly does a VIN number mean when it is decoded? Let’s go ahead and check it out and at the same time, maybe you can give it a whorl after reading through.
The Basics Of The VIN
If you were to inspect the VIN number on your auto the next time you are out (it can be found on the lower right hand side of your windshield, having been etched there before your auto left the factory), you will notice that it consists of seventeen distinct numbers and letters. It may look complicated, but really, a VIN number is a shorthand version of your auto’s biography. For example, let’s look at a generic VIN number and attempt to pick it apart.
The VIN Decoded
1FAFP42R04F149543
Here we have a standard VIN number. First, take a look at the first three numbers and letters: 1FA. On any auto made throughout the world, the first three digits represent who manufactured the auto. In this case, the number one tells us that it was made in the United States, the letter F tells us that Ford manufactured it and the A tells us the body style, in this case, a coupe. Long story short, I have a coupe that was manufactured somewhere in the United States by Ford. Next, let’s take a look at the fourth position of the VIN number, the letter F in this case. In this case, we already know it is a passenger car (a coupe), so it should tell us what type of restraint system the auto has. In this case, it signifies “belt, active, airbag.” If you own a truck or van, the fourth position will tell you the braking system installed and how much weight the auto can carry. The next three digits and letters (the fifth, sixth and seventh positions) tell us the line, series and body type of a vehicle. In this case, the fifth position P tells us that the auto is a Mustang, the sixth position 4 tells us that it is a Mach 1 and the 2 tells us that it is either a car or a minivan (obviously, it is a car). The eighth position R tells us what kind of engine the car has. In this case it is a 4.6L V8 that is powered by gasoline. The ninth and tenth positions are used to simply decode the year of the vehicle. In this case 04 means that the car was built in 2004. The eleventh position tells you where your auto was built or as I like to say, “born.” The F in this case tells me that it was born in Dearborn, Michigan. Finally, the twelfth through seventeenth positions tell you the production sequence of your auto or rather, what number off the assembly line it was. In this case, it was number 149,153 off of the assembly line.
Other Tidbits
If you want to decode your VIN, do a quick search of your auto’s manufacturer and “VIN decoder.” From there you should be able to decode your VIN if you want to satisfy your curiosity. The VIN number above has been edited so not as to encourage anyone with any bright ideas. Unfortunately, when an auto is stolen, the VIN number is usually scratched away so that the auto cannot be positively identified if it is sold illegally. Plus, some clever thieves have invented their own systems of fabricating VIN numbers. With that said, it isn’t a bad idea to check the VIN number of a new auto just to be on the safe side. Finally, most of us have heard of Carfax reports and such. Besides identifying a vehicle, a VIN number is also used to record a vehicles history (i.e. accidents, major repair work, etc.). If you plan on buying a used auto, have the dealership, or other reputable company, run a Carfax report for you. You can even do it on your own for a small fee. It is better to be safe than sorry when you invest in an auto.
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