What is a VIN?
Understanding Your Vehicle's Unique Identity
Your Vehicle's Fingerprint
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle manufactured. Think of it as your car's DNA - no two vehicles share the same VIN.
Just like a fingerprint identifies a person, a VIN identifies your vehicle and contains all the essential information about its origins, specifications, and history.
17 unique characters
What Information Does a VIN Contain?
Manufacturer
Who built the vehicle
Make & Model
Vehicle brand and specific model
Year
When it was manufactured
Specifications
Engine, drivetrain, trim level
What is VIN Decoding?
VIN decoding is the process of reading and interpreting the information contained within a vehicle's VIN. It reveals all the critical details about your vehicle's origins and specifications.
Why It Matters: Accurate VIN decoding ensures you get the exact right parts for your specific vehicle, preventing costly mistakes and delays.
VIN Structure Breakdown
| Digits | Information |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) |
| 4-8 | Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) |
| 9 | Check Digit (for validation) |
| 10 | Model Year |
| 11 | Plant Code (where it was built) |
| 12-17 | Serial Number (unique identifier) |
Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Vehicles
Some vehicles from the Japanese Domestic Market present their identification differently:
- ✓ Chassis Number - Main vehicle identifier
- ✓ Engine Number - Specific engine identification
- ✓ Serial Number - Additional unique identifier
These separate numbers need to be combined to create a complete VIN equivalent for proper parts identification.
Where to Find Your VIN
Dashboard
Visible through windshield on driver's side
Door jamb
On the door jamb sticker
Engine Block / Firewall
Stamped on the engine itself
Documents
Registration and insurance papers
Vehicle Identification Plaque
The VIN is typically found on a metal plaque attached to your vehicle. This plaque contains:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Manufacturer information
- Manufacturing date
- Gross vehicle weight rating
Ready to Order Parts?
Use your VIN to find the exact parts you need for your vehicle
Start Your Order