How to Decode Modern Car VIN Numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique serial number used by the motor industry to allow them to accurately confirm and register the details of each new car. They have been in effect since 1981, and since their inception, it has been easy to track the life of a car -- meaning you are less likely to pick up a second-hand lemon with a dubious history. Each digit of the VIN refers to a certain attribute, and if you know what to look for, then these 17 digits could tell you all you need to know.

Instructions

1

Find out the country of your vehicle's birth using the very first digit of the VIN umber. U.S.A is 1 or 4, Canada is 2, Mexico is 3, Japan is identified by J and England by S.

2

Confirm the manufacturer of your vehicle using the second digit. Audi will be signaled by A, BMW by B, and Honda with an H as the secondnd digit.

3

Identify the vehicle type or manufacturing division using the next digit of the VIN number. Chevrolet is 1, Pontiac 2, and Buick is 4.

4

Find out more about the safety features of your car using the fourth digit. A means non-passive restraints, B identifies automatic belts and inflatable restraint is signaled by C as the fourth digit.

5

Find out the series of your car using the VIN number, too. There are many different sequences, but an example would be W to indicate a Malibu Classic, K to identify a four-wheel drive truck, and Z to tell you that you have a Monte Carlo.

6

Confirm the body style of your vehicle using the sixth and 7th digits. As a reference point the Landau Coupe would be signified by 03, a two-door coupe by 08, and a station wagon by 35.

7

Look at the 8th digit to verify the engine which is inside your car.

8

Verify the VIN accuracy using the 9th digit which is known as a check digit and is generally only used by the authorities.

9

Identify the year your car was made using the 10th digit of the VIN number. Starting from 1981, which is B, it ascends alphabetically (missing out I, O, Q, and U) until it reaches Y, which signifies 2000. A 1 indicates 2001, and it has ascended numerically since then.

10

Find the production plant from which your car came using the 11th digit of the VIN number. For example Lakewood is A, Baltimore is B and, Detroit is Q. So this aspect of the VIN number allows you to track down the exact factory where your car was assembled.

11

Look at the 12th to 17th digits. These will tell you the sequence from which your car was produced, beginning with 100001. So, 100002 would indicate that your care was the second of its kind to roll of the production line.