Nowadays, there is a growing recognition of the value of VIN among car buyers. This 17-digit alphanumeric serial number is helping them make informed decisions at the time of purchasing cars, both used and new. Let’s discover 10 intriguing facts about VINs in cars.
- VIN numbers are unique 17-digit serial numbers assigned to all cars manufactured after 1981. Just as fingerprints, a car’s vehicle identification number provides information that a car buyer can use to confirm the history of a car.
- A car VIN number records everything that happens to a car. Whether it is a case of accident, insurance claim or selling, vehicle history bureaus record those information in databases.
- Through VIN one can trace a car from manufacturing unit to junkyard. It is also used to track registrations, thefts, recalls, warranty claims, and insurance coverage.
- Automobile manufacturers in the USA have been using VIN, also known as chassis numbers, since 1954. But it was only in 1981 that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially required all motor vehicles to carry VINs.
- The earliest known VIN was four digit numbers on the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
- When decoded, these VINs provide vehicle specifications such as make, model, year, body style, and place of manufacture. A detailed VIN check assists you in taking a wise purchase decision.
- Generally, the VIN is engraved on the car or printed on a sticker in several places like the engine, inside of driver-side door, the trunk, and dashboard.
- Thieves can use the VIN to get duplicate keys for a stolen car. If a thief wants to resell the car, then first he has to get rid of the old VIN and replace it with a new one.
- VIN not only allows you to make an informed decision at the time of purchasing a car but also ensures that you get a fair price for it.
- VIN helps detect cases of vehicle cloning where two cars sharing the same VIN are plying in two different states at the same time.
Trouble-free, savings on money, and peace of mind - a car owner gets all these just by decoding VIN. Whether you are running an Audi, Ford or BMW, checking VIN history opens a world of vehicular information to you. So, don’t wait any longer; start cracking the code now.
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