Where is the VIN Number on a Car?

A couple of questions we get asked often in Salt Lake City are “Where is the VIN number on a car?” and “What is a VIN number?” Your car’s VIN number is easier to find than you might think. This is all you have to do on your new or pre-owned vehicle:

• Stand outside of your car on the driver’s side and inspect the corner of the dashboard where it and the windshield meet. That’s where the VIN number is most of the time.
• If you can’t find it on the corner of the dash, open the driver’s side door and check where the door latches; that’s the second most likely place you’ll find it.

Now that you know where to find the car VIN number, read on and let the team at Prestman Auto break down the story of what makes your VIN number unique.

What is a VIN Number?

VIN is an acronym for vehicle identification number. Your VIN will be 17 characters long if your vehicle was manufactured after 1981. They serve as the DNA of your car, making it perfectly unique and unlike any other vehicle on the road. No two vehicles in West Valley City or anywhere else will have the same VIN. Here’s an example of what a VIN looks like:

1G1YZ23J9P5803427

The VIN your car has will identify information about the car’s manufacturer, specifications, features, and more. It’s very convenient for Provo and West Jordan drivers who want to get the know on registration information, active recalls, warranty claims, theft, and insurance coverage

What Do the Different Characters in a VIN Mean?

Here’s a quick breakdown on the information you’ll find when you plug in your VIN to an online guide:

• Character 1: Country
• Character 2: Manufacturer
• Character 3: Vehicle Type
• Character 4: Body Type
• Character 5: Engine
• Character 6: Series
• Character 7: Restraint
• Character 8: Model
• Character 9: Check Digit
• Character 10: Model Year
• Character 11: Plant
• Last Six Characters: Car’s Serial Number

Learn More About Your Car’s VIN from Prestman Auto

If you’re looking for more VIN facts, your car’s VIN number will give you a lot of information. If you’re looking for automotive maintenance, however, the team at Prestman Auto will inform you on everything you need to know. Contact us or check out our service specials to start that conversation.