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VIN Numbers (short for "Vehicle Identification Number")
are seventeen-digit codes that uniquely identifies a vehicle. Every
car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, etc. that is built are assigned
VIN numbers and DMVs and insurance companies use the VIN number
to keep track of which vehicle is which.
In the mid 1950's American automobile manufacturers began stamping
and casting identifying numbers on cars and their parts. The vehicle
identification number has become referred to as the "VIN."
The obvious purpose was to give an accurate description of the vehicle
when mass production numbers were starting to climb in very significant
numbers. Research has shown that early Vin's came in all sorts of
variations which depended on the individual manufacturer at that
time.
In the early 1980's the National highway Traffic Safety Administration
(U.S. Dept. of Transport) required that all road vehicles must contain
a 17 character VIN. This established the fixed VIN system for major
vehicle manufacturers as it is known today. Thus, establishing a
unique "DNA" style number for each unique vehicle which
rolled off the assembly line.
The VIN encodes specific information about a vehicle, including
country of manufacture, manufacturer, model, body style and even
engine and other information. This was standardized in the early
'80s and all major manufacturers follow the standard.
Common locations of the vehicle identification numbers vary and
some may be as follows:
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Firewall of the vehicle
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Left hand inner wheel arch
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Steering column
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Radiator Support Bracket
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Dash by windshield
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Drivers door or post or passenger side
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Guarantee & Maintenance Book *Vehicle documents
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Machined Pad on front of engine
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Component parts as listed above -eg- engine,frame, etc.
Click here to check a vehicle's VIN numbers for free.
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Why VIN Numbers?
A VIN Report is a step up from a VIN check. It offers more
detail in a cars history. Information provided in a VIN Report
comes from more than 150 sources. These include:
State Departments of Motor Vehicles contribute information,
which is contained in VIN Reports.
Canadian Motor Vehicle Departments contribute information.
Major insurance companies mandate that their insurance claims
administrators report data on major damage, which is then
included in VIN Reports.
Many major auto auctions contribute to the data, contained
in VIN Reports.
Consumer Protection Agencies report on major recalls and
auto buybacks from manufacturers. This lemon buyback data
is contained in VIN Reports.
Both New and Used Auto Dealers also are solicited for data
which is contained in VIN Reports.
In addition to the Department of Motor Vehicles occasionally
other state agencies provide data to the companies who compile
VIN Reports.
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