It’s a 17-digit code that some car owners don’t even know exists. It’s called the Vehicle Identification Number and it’s arguably one of the most important things about any car. At the very least, it’s important enough that car owners should have a correct copy of the number in the event of recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverages.
So what exactly is a VIN? The technical definition is that it’s the auto equivalent of a fingerprint. It’s the ultimate identifier of a specific car because no two vehicles in operation carry the same VIN. In addition to its “fingerprint-like” nature, the VIN also provides a treasure trove of information, including where the car was built and what kind of engine it uses. As long as a car owner knows how to read a VIN, he can find out a lot about the car even if he doesn’t actually see it in person.
That said, it’s important to note that the contents of a VIN could vary depending on the automaker. There are some all-encompassing identifiers and the sequence of digits and letters typically signify the same thing. It’s the use of the digits and letters that could be different.
It’s admittedly a little confusing at first, so that’s where we come into the picture. We’re here to provide a quick crash course on how to properly identify a VIN and what all those letters and numbers mean.
Once it becomes clearer, that seemingly innocuous 17-digit alphanumeric code will carry a totally different and far more important meaning.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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