When you purchase a new car, it usually comes with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that can be seen through the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN identifies your car and is used to track its history in case of theft or any type of insurance claim.
VINs are 17 characters long and contain important information about the car. It is also encoded with details of the manufacturer, model, engine type, production plant, style, and even the color of your car. This helps authorities track a vehicle in case it is stolen or for any other legal purposes.
Knowing how to check your car’s VIN number is essential and helpful in various circumstances. You may need this information when you sell or trade in your old car, if you buy a leased car or if you buy an extended warranty on an older vehicle. Keep reading for more details!
How To Find The VIN Number In Your Car?
The VIN number is usually located in the driver-side door jamb sticker, the engine compartment, the under-hood fuse box, and the inside of the vehicle’s front dash on the driver’s side. The VIN can be 17-digits long and is formatted as follows: If your car is built after 1981, then its VIN starts with a “1.” On the other hand, if it was manufactured before 1981, it will have a “5.”
What Does The VIN Tell You?
Each vehicle has a unique VIN and it is used for a variety of purposes. When you buy a car, the seller will ask for your VIN number so that he or she can carry out the necessary inquiries. The Motor Vehicle Division and the Highway Patrol often use the VIN to investigate accidents and track ownership. For example, let’s say that a car is involved in an accident and it is not clear who is at fault. In this situation, the officers will look at the VIN to discover who owns the vehicle.
How To Find Out If Your Car Is Certified Pre-Owned?
If you are purchasing a used car, you might like to know if it is certified. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are cars that have passed a manufacturer’s inspection to confirm that they are in good condition. They are also given a warranty by the manufacturer. If you are buying a CPO vehicle from a dealership, you will have to contact the manufacturer to request a VIN inspection report. However, if you are buying from a private seller, you will not be able to obtain the report. In this case, you can still ask the seller to provide you with the report. On the other hand, if the car is not CPO certified, then the seller does not have to provide an inspection report. In this situation, you can check the car’s VIN number with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
Why Is It Important To Know If A Used Car Is Certified?
The number one reason why it is important to know if your used car is certified is to get peace of mind. Cars are expensive to buy, maintain and insure. If you buy a certified pre-owned car, you can rest assured that the vehicle has been inspected and that it is in good condition. If you buy a car that is not certified, you will have to have it inspected yourself, and you might have to pay for repairs as well.
How To Check And Verify The VIN On a Used Car?
You can use a VIN verifier online to run a VIN check, which is a quick and easy process. You will need the car’s VIN to do so. Once you enter the VIN, you will be able to see details such as the vehicle’s title type, odometer readings, accident history, and more. To see the details, you will have to pay a small fee. You can also see if the car is stolen or if the VIN is incorrect.
Final Words
Owning a car is a big responsibility, and it is essential to keep a few things in mind when buying a new vehicle. First, make sure that you are financially ready to buy a car. Second, make sure that you buy the best car for your needs and budget. If you follow these tips and know how to check your car’s VIN number, you should be able to make an informed decision when buying a car.
