How to Read the Code on a Used Car Windshield

When purchasing a used car, it is a good idea to first inspect the car's vehicle identification number. The VIN is unique to every vehicle ever produced, and can be used to trace the history of the car. A car's VIN is recorded in accidents, insurance records and when any work is done to the vehicle. Locating the car's VIN and deciphering its meaning is simple.

Instructions

1

Look at the interior dash on the driver's side of the car. This is true of all cars manufactured after 1969.

2

Count the characters used in the VIN sequence. VIN codes for cars manufactured after 1981 have 17 character codes. Older VIN numbers are shorter than this.

3

Read the VIN. The first digit indicates the country of manufacture. The second character is a letter that indicates the motor company. The third character is a number that indicates the make of the car. The next two letters tell the car line code and series. That is followed by two numbers that indicate the body type and restraint system. Next are three letters that tell the engine code, check digit and model year. The assembly plant number is next and the final digits are the car's unique production sequence.