Changing the Chassis Number (AKA Vehicle Identification Number) of a car is not possible. The VIN of every vehicle is unique, while the registration number, along with numerous other codes, isn’t. Chassis numbers are like fingerprints. VINs are assigned to new cars during production and are unique to each vehicle. When you’re considering buying a used car, it’s a good idea to check out its history. Identifying its chassis number is the only way to do this.
You can uncover hidden secrets about the vehicle’s history with this valuable method, which will save you headaches in the future. Join us on this informative journey to learn how to check car history by chassis number.
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Is the VIN And Chassis Number the Same?
The VIN in modern cars and the chassis number in older cars work in the same way to identify vehicles. They both act as serial numbers – but are not the same as engine numbers. In older cars, there is an individual chassis number (instead of a VIN). It dates back to the earliest days of motoring.
The earliest motor vehicle consisted of a body that was bolted or based on a frame. In order for vehicles to be properly identified and registered, each chassis was assigned a serial number. Today, VINs have become the primary vehicle identification number, meeting both European and American standards.
What is a Chassis Number, and How Does it Work?
Chassis numbers, or VINs, are alphanumeric codes that give detailed information about vehicles. Each car has a unique code that serves as its digital DNA. Several sections of the VIN convey vehicle information.
The first three characters are World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMI), which identify country and manufacturer. A vehicle’s attributes, such as its model, engine type, and body style, are indicated by its next six characters. This ninth character serves as a check digit to ensure that the VIN is accurate. As for the remaining characters, they provide information about the production sequence.
Importance of the Chassis Number
After answering ‘What is a chassis number?’ and explaining its components, let’s explore its significance.
Tracking Vehicle History: Chassis numbers are used to trace the history of a vehicle, including service records, accident records, and previous owners.
Legal Necessities: The chassis number is a legal requirement for vehicle registration, insurance, and resale. Having this information is crucial to proving a car’s ownership.
Help detect criminal activity: Vehicle history reports, and VIN checks can also reveal potential criminal activity surrounding a car. To make sure you aren’t purchasing a car with a criminally cloned VIN, you should examine the vehicle history report for any suspicious activity.
Vehicle Identification: Chassis numbers are unique, so they are the best way to identify a particular vehicle.
Why You Need to Run a VIN Check:
You can make an informed decision about whether to purchase a vehicle by checking its VIN. Vehicle history reports provide important information about a car’s safety, condition, and legitimacy.
States use title brands to warn future owners of damages resulting from accidents, disasters, and thefts. Rebuilt salvaged vehicles are sometimes referred to as “rebuilt” vehicles in some states. The term “salvage” may be used in other states for the same condition of a vehicle. From the paper trail of a car, one can extract critical vehicle information about its history from a car report.
Where can I find the VIN?
On The Dashboard
VIN numbers can typically be found on car dashboards on the drivers’ side of cars. Observe it by standing outside the vehicle on the driver’s side and looking through the windshield to the corner where the dashboard meets the windscreen.
At The Door Post
If you are unable to find the VIN on the dashboard, open the driver’s door and look at the post where the door latches when the door is closed. There is also a good chance that the VIN will be displayed here. A VIN number is usually stamped on the front of the engine block of gasoline-powered vehicles as well.
Look In Front Of The Engine Block
Check the engine’s front by opening the hood. In some cases, manufacturers attach a body plate containing the VIN or a partial VIN (typically the last eight characters). The firewall inside the engine compartment should be attached to this plate.
Spare Tire
Maybe the spare tire that came with the car has the VIN. You can check by picking up the tire and looking underneath it. In case you are unsure whether the vehicle has a spare tire, check the trunk.
Through the Insurance Policy
As long as your car is insured, you can find the VIN on your policy documents. Modern digital insurers send your policy paperwork to your email address when you insure or renew your automobile insurance. Please check your email inbox for the policy paperwork with the chassis number of the car.
Where To Get Vehicle History Reports?
You can decode your VIN or check for a recall on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. AutoCheck and Carfax are two of the best-known companies that provide vehicle history reports. Enter the VIN of the car you wish to learn about, and the website will return the number of records that are found. Then, you can either purchase a single report for the vehicle or an unlimited 30-day subscription.
FAQs
Is the chassis number the same as the engine number on the car?
No. The two numbers provide different information about the model and engine number of the car. A chassis number provides information about the construction date, the car model, the engine type, the fuel type, etc., but an engine number only provides information about the engine block.
Is it a good idea to look up a car’s VIN when you first purchase it?
Whenever you buy a used car, make sure you check the VIN number. It is important to verify that the VIN on the V5 vehicle registration document matches the one stamped into the car’s chassis, as well as the one on any other plates located on the vehicle.
Can I look up the specs of my vehicle by its VIN number?
You can, as long as you are on the right page. There is a free VIN decoder available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, which reveals the factory where the vehicle was manufactured, how many airbags it has, the engine displacement, horsepower, and more. There may be some differences in specs depending on the vehicle and the available data.
How safe is it to check the VIN for free?
You can check your VIN for free without risk. During the VIN check, you are only required to enter the VIN, so your personal information will not be disclosed.
Conclusion
Many data registries use VINs to record details about the history of a vehicle, so it is useful to check the VIN of a vehicle when you’re interested in finding out its history. In the event that you are thinking about buying a used car, do a VIN lookup beforehand to find out who the previous owner was, if there were any accidents and other historical information about the car. Additionally, you can find out whether the manufacturer of the vehicle has ever issued a recall of the vehicle and if any repairs have been carried out in response. Last but not least, law enforcement agencies use VIN checks to identify stolen vehicles.
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