Every automobile is assigned a piece of unique documentation called a vehicle identification number, commonly called a VIN. While this 17-digit number is assigned to every vehicle sold in the United States and Europe, you may not understand exactly what it is and why it’s useful. Here’s what you need to know about automobile VINs.
Learn What a VIN Is
In a way, VINs are like serial numbers for vehicles. They were first implemented in the US in 1954 as a means of distinguishing one individual car from another. Over time they became standardized to include details such as make, model, and engine details, year, and place of assembly. Several major components of a vehicle are stamped with its VIN, so if the auto is damaged or disassembled it can still be identified.
With an individual identity assigned to every car, its history regarding safety recalls, registered repair work, traffic accidents, and thefts are all trackable. This is extremely useful in determining whether a used car you’re buying is roadworthy. From an everyday standpoint, when you need to find auto parts specifically designed for your vehicle, referencing the VIN ensures you get the right items.
Use a Quality & Trusted Source
To get the most out of your vehicle research, use a quality resource when doing a VIN check. For the best information regarding replacement and upgrade parts for your vehicle, only use a trusted national retailer’s VIN decoder for your search to ensure you buy the correct components.
For data about the history of your current car or one you’re thinking of purchasing, be aware that in many cases details cannot be released by state motor vehicle departments without authorization by the owner. However, you can get some basic information on your own as a starting point. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration provides verification as to whether a VIN is valid, and a website called safecar.gov reports open safety recall information applicable to specific vehicles.
Be Prepared To See All of the Car’s History – Good or Bad
When you conduct a detailed VIN search, you’ll have access to everything from a vehicle’s sales history to its accident reports to its theft records. Unless your vehicle has only been owned by you since it was manufactured, you may uncover surprising details when you run a VIN check on your ride.
While it may worry you to learn about past accidents or major engine work, if the repairs were done right it should lessen your concern. On the flip side, when your VIN lookup reveals a clean car history, it can provide assurance that it’s been cared for and that it may be dependable for years to come.
Now that you know all about VIN numbers, you’re ready to check your vehicle’s history and secure the right parts for your vehicle. Just do a web search for an AutoZone near me, visit with your VIN, and then load up your cart with components that are a perfect fit for your car.