Your car’s VIN contains a wealth of information about its history and specifications. Decoding this 17-digit code can give you valuable insights into your vehicle’s past, such as where and when it was manufactured, its engine type, and more. In this article, we’ll show you how to decode your car’s VIN and what information it reveals.
What Is a VIN Number?
A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It serves as your car’s fingerprint and is used by authorities, insurance companies, and buyers to identify the vehicle’s history and specifications. Of course, it is simpler and faster to use a VIN year decoder, but you can also try to do it manually.
The number is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard, near the windshield, and can also be found on the car’s registration and title documents. It consists of 17 digits and is divided into three sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS).
Decoding the VIN
To decode your car’s VIN, you’ll need to break it down into three sections and examine each one individually. Let’s take a closer look at each section and what information it reveals.
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
The first three digits make up the WMI and identify the manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For example, if the number starts with “1G1,” it indicates that your car was manufactured by General Motors in the United States.
The first digit represents the country of origin, with “1” indicating the United States, “2” for Canada, and “3” for Mexico. The second digit represents the manufacturer, with each manufacturer having a unique code assigned to them. The third digit represents the vehicle type, such as a passenger car, truck, or SUV.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
The next six digits of the number make up the VDS and provide information about the vehicle’s specifications, such as its body type, engine type, and model. For example, if your VIN includes “JF1GR,” it indicates that your car is a Subaru Impreza with a 2.0L engine.
The VDS is broken down into several categories, with each digit providing specific information about the vehicle’s features. The fourth to eighth digits represent the vehicle attributes, such as the model, body type, and engine type. The ninth digit is a check digit used to validate the VIN, and the tenth digit indicates the model year.
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
The last eight digits make up the VIS and provide information about where and when your car was manufactured. For example, if your number ends with “10932405,” it indicates that your car was built in 1993 at a manufacturing plant in the United States.
The eleventh to seventeenth digits provide details such as the model, trim level, and sequential production number of your vehicle. They are also used to identify the manufacturing plant where it was built and its year of manufacture.
In Conclusion
By decoding your VIN, you can get valuable insights into your car’s history and specifications. By understanding what information each digit of the number provides, you can better determine which car is right for you and make an informed decision when purchasing a used vehicle.
