You can locate your VIN – vehicle’s identification number – in many places related to your car. Where exactly? Try to look on your car below the windshield on driver’s side, check your vehicle registration or title documents.
How to decode your VIN?
A VIN is a set of 17 unique numbers and letters that carry specific information about your car (if made on 1981 or newer). Here’s what each one stands for:
| Place in the VIN | Meaning |
| 1st | Country of Origin:
1 or 4 (USA) 2 (Canada) 3 (Mexico) J (Japan) K (Korea) S (England) W (Germany) Z (Italy) |
| 2nd | Manufacturer:
A (Audi) B (BMW) 4 (Buick) 6 (Cadillac) 1 (Chevrolet) C (Chrysler) B (Dodge) F (Ford) 7 (GM Canada) G (General Motors) H (Honda) A (Jaguar) L (Lincoln) D (Mercedes Benz) M (Mercury) N (Nissan) 3 (Oldsmobile) 2 or 5 (Pontiac) P (Plymouth) 8 (Saturn) T (Toyota) V (Volvo) |
| 3rd | Vehicle Type: (e.g., Convertible, Special Edition, etc.) |
| 4-8th | Vehicle Information: (e.g., Engine size, cylinders, carburetion, fuel type, wheel drive, tonnage, etc.) |
| 9th | VIN Accuracy Check Digit This digit is assigned using a formula. The formula provides a way to verify the accuracy of the VIN description. |
| 10th | Model Year:
8 (2008) 9 (2009) A (2010) B (2011) C (2012) D (2013) E (2014) F (2015) G (2016) H (2017) J (2018) K (2019) |
| 11th | Assembly Plant |
| 12-17th | Unique Serial Number for Vehicle |
The historical context you provided in your article added depth and understanding.