Where Is the VIN Number on a Car? What You Need To Know!
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Ed Malaker
- Last updated:
If you have recently purchased a car or are looking to sell, the VIN is one of the most common things that people will need. VIN stands for vehicle identification number, which is unique to your car or truck, and you can’t buy or sell without it. Many people are wondering where they can find the VIN for their vehicle. The short answer is that you can usually see it by looking through your windshield at the dashboard from outside your car. You should be able to find it in front of the steering wheel. However, there are several other places where you can find it, so keep reading as we take a closer look at VIN locations.
Finding the VIN on Your Car
- Dashboard: You can easily find your VIN by looking through the windshield at your dashboard from outside the car. It’s usually toward the bottom, in front of the steering wheel.
- Front of the Engine: If your vehicle is still using the original engine, the VIN will be at the front of the engine block.
- Car Frame: You can find the VIN under the hood of your car, on the metal frame under the hood. Many vehicles have the reservoir for the windshield wiper fluid nearby.
- Driver’s Side Door: You can usually find your VIN on the inside of the driver-side door. There is a sticker near the door jamb that will have the VIN and other information, like the recommended tire pressure.
- Drivers Side Dashboard: Many vehicles will stamp the VIN into the dashboard, and you can find it in the lower-left corner in front of the steering wheel.
- Rear Wheel Well: One of the least known places to find the VIN on many vehicles is by looking in the rear wheel well, directly above the back tire.
- Trunk: The last place on the vehicle that you are likely to find the VIN is in the trunk. You can usually find it underneath the spare tire.
Finding Your VIN Away From the Vehicle
- The title for your vehicle will have the VIN printed on the front.
- The registration card for your vehicle should also have the VIN printed on it.
- You should be able to find your VIN on your insurance documents.
- Your insurance company should be able to tell you your VIN.
- The vehicle’s owner’s manual will have the VIN printed inside.
Other Places That You Might Be Able to Find Your VIN
- If you always take your vehicle to the same mechanic, there’s a good chance that they have a record of your VIN.
- If your car was involved in an incident with the police, they will have a record of your VIN.
Why Do Vehicles Need a VIN?
The VIN on your vehicle tells you who the manufacturer is, where they made it, and when. It’s unique to your car and serves as its identity. This number can tell you if there are any liens on the vehicle and will inform you about past ownership. You can also learn about the vehicle maintenance history, if anyone used the airbags, if it received flood damage, if it’s been in an accident, and much more.
Summary
The VIN is an extremely important number that can tell you about the history of your vehicle. It’s also an essential part of the buying and selling process, so you will need to be able to find it when required. The easiest way is by looking at the title for the car, but you can also find it in several locations on the vehicle itself. The easiest way to see it is by looking through the windshield at the dashboard. The number is usually in front of the steering wheel. It can be fun to look around your vehicle to find the number in the different locations, since many people don’t know that they’re there!
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
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