First of all when the car is yours, you must have a gray card. So a first solution would be to browse it to get this type of information. The gray card contains the VIN code at the level of line E. That is to say Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle identification number
A vehicle identification number is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, as defined in ISO 3779 and ISO 4030.
How do I find out what model my car is?
Here's what each character (a number or letter) represents, from left to right: If your car was preowned, you can get its make and model by requesting a vehicle history report from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need the car's title, VIN, and proof of identification.
How do I find my vehicle’S trim number?
If you can’t find the trim with these methods, head to the manufacturer’s website and use their VIN decoder to get information about the vehicle’s options. Using the tool below you can also enter your vehicle’s VIN number in order to pull up your vehicle’s trim information. Search Car by VIN With Our Vin Decoder
How do I Find my Vehicle Identification Number?
The vehicle identification number is found in your car on the driver’s side either on the door or somewhere between the dashboard and windshield. It can also be located in your car title and registration. Acquire the vehicle history report. Locate your local motor vehicles agency and visit.
How can I find out if a vehicle has been recalled?
The VIN (sometimes known, redundantly, as the "VIN number") is the key to safety. Just enter a VIN in the free search tool from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see whether a vehicle is subject to a recall.
What is a series model of a car?
Report Ad. In some car models, the year of release or model year is also included. This is often used to distinguish one car model from another in a car series, since car manufacturers tend to release the same design as a car series under one name but with different years.
What is a car Series number?
A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.
Can my VIN number tell me what model I have?
Vehicle identification numbers can reveal many things about automobiles, including their airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year, vehicle type, trim level and plant name.
Is VIN same as serial number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (also known as a serial number) is a 17 character code of letters and numbers that identifies your vehicle. You can find your VIN in several places: On top of the dashboard on the driver's side. Inside the driver's side door.
What does the 8th digit in a VIN number mean?
Digits in position 4 through 9 make up the Vehicle Description Section (VDS). The fourth through eighth digits describe your vehicle's model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and engine code.
How do I find out what year model my car is?
A vehicle's Model Year is categorically defined by the 10th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and simply indicates any manufacturer-specified evolution in mid-cycle of a model range - such as new engine or transmission introductions, revised trim options or any other minor specification changes.
How do you decode a 8 digit VIN number?
0:021:04The 8th Eighth Digit in the VIN Vehicle Identification Number Indicates ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see that the 8th digit on this truck is a three in our example we'd be checking to see thatMoreYou can see that the 8th digit on this truck is a three in our example we'd be checking to see that that eight digit was an a if it is an A then the part would be right for your vehicle.
What do the last 6 digits of a VIN mean?
The last six digits of a VIN reveal the vehicle's regular production options (RPO) and is also commonly referred to as its serial number. While many car enthusiasts note that these last six digits represent the sequential production number (which is true), there's more to the story.
Why do car manufacturers use XLE?
Car manufacturers use designations as Sport or XLE to differentiate between the options available on each vehicle in a particular line. Interior and exterior options are included in trim type, so knowing the trim can help you choose the combination of features you most want in a car.
Is chrome included in a car trim?
Decorations, including chrome, may also be part of a car’s trim level. If you desire options not included in the trim, you’ll have to purchase them separately or as part of an option package.
What does a VIN number tell you?
VIN information is organized in groups, and a search of your vehicle identification number can tell you a lot about your car. There's even a bit of fraud detection in the VIN, in the form of the "check digit," described below. The first group of three numbers and letters in a VIN make up the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).
What does a vehicle's VIN number mean?
Vehicle identification numbers can reveal many things about automobiles, including their airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year, vehicle type, trim level, and plant name. The VIN (sometimes known, redundantly, as the "VIN number") is the key to safety. Just enter a VIN in the free search tool from the National Highway Traffic ...
What does the 10th character in a VIN mean?
Notice that the 10th character in the VIN is "C.". The letter represents the 2012 model year, but it could also mean 1982. Because the year is represented by one character (letter or number) and the VIN can only contain 17 characters, the code for a car's year has to be recycled every 30 years.
Why do you need a VIN decode?
A simple VIN decode will help you learn an automotive pedigree and some key specifications, but those digits are also useful for less entertaining but more important reasons involving its title, registration and insurance. Make sure to check the VIN when purchasing replacement parts for your vehicle.
What is the next 6 digits to check?
The next six digits to check (positions 4-9) are the vehicle descriptor section. Numbers 4 through 8 describe the car with such information as the model, body type, restraint system, transmission type and engine code. Number 9 is the check digit, which is used to detect invalid VINs.
Where is the 2012 Fiat 500 made?
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is an Italian-American multinational carmaker that manufactured the 500 at Chrysler's plant in Toluca, Mexico. Notice that the 10th character in the VIN is "C.".
Do you have to pay for auto check?
Yes, but it will only give you some basic information on the vehicle, such as the engine size, assembly plant or fuel type. If you're looking for a detailed vehicle history report, you'll have to pay for a AutoCheck report. Learn more.
Where is the VIN number on a car?
Check the VIN. The vehicle identification number is found in your car on the driver’s side either on the door or somewhere between the dashboard and windshield. It can also be located in your car title and registration.
How to get a car history report?
Locate your local motor vehicles agency and visit. Have your car title, VIN and proof of identification. You will be issued with your vehicle history report. Instead of visiting your local agency, you can go to the agency’s website, as many issue the report online. The DMV.org website also offers a link to CarFax, where you can obtain your vehicle history report. Or, visit websites like Autocheck where you can access your report for a fee. You will be need to register for an account at websites such as Autocheck, ranging from $10 to $100, at the time of publication.
How much does it cost to get an autocheck report?
You will be need to register for an account at websites such as Autocheck, ranging from $10 to $100, at the time of publication.
Where is the vehicle identification number located?
Car owners need to find the vehicle identification number located at the bottom of the windshield to find out key information about their vehicle – look here to find the world manufacturer, model type, and the answer to ‘what kind of engine does my car have.’
What are the cylinders in a car engine?
Car engines are built with engine cylinders – the engine cylinders are metal tubes with a spark plug and two valves. Inside the cylinders are the pistons – the pistons are attached to the crankshaft, sliding in different directions to harness the internal explosion’s energy. When the spark ignites the gas, the pistons turn the crankshaft.
How does an engine work?
The four steps of the internal combustion engine: Piston is pulled into the cylinder – at the same time, the engine valve pushes the air and fuel mixture into the engine’s cylinder. Next, the valve closes, and the piston returns to the original resting position.
What is a V engine?
V Engine: The V-engine looks exactly how it sounds – in a V formation. The cylinders are positioned at a 60-degree angle, increasing the internal space and the ability to fit a large number of cylinders. These V engines are usually found in high-performance cars when asking yourself, ‘what engine does my car have.’.
What does E stand for in BMW?
‘E’ stands for the German Entwicklung , or development. When the ‘E’ numbers started going into high double digits, the company decided in 2008 to introduce the ‘F’ Series.
What does LCI mean in BMW?
Your car series and model may also include this abbreviation: LCI. It stands for Life Cycle Impulse (in e.g. E92 LCI or F30 LCI) and it is a facelifted version BMW tends to introduce around 3 or 4 years into a model's production run. This refresh often updates body style, electronics, chassis but also head units.

VIN Basics
Recommended VIN Decoders
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website offers two free VIN check tools that allow you to either decode your VIN or check for a recall. We've tested both tools and found them to be fast and accurate. They also won't bombard you with pop-up ads or try to sell you something. If you're looking to sell your car, you can run a VIN check on Edmunds to get an insta…
What Do The Letters and Numbers Mean in A Vin?
- VIN information is organized in groups, and a search of your vehicle identification number can tell you a lot about your car. There's even a bit of fraud detection in the VIN in the form of the "check digit," described below. The first group of three numbers and letters in a VIN make up the world manufacturer identifier (WMI). 1. In this group, the first digit or letter identifies the country of ori…
Other VIN Decoder Uses
- A simple VIN decoder will help you learn an automotive pedigree and some key specifications, but those digits are also useful for less entertaining but more important reasons involving its title, registration and insurance. Make sure to check the VIN when purchasing replacement parts for your vehicle. Vehicle parts are often specific to certain VINs and may not fit your car if you only …