When it comes to knowing your car inside and out, understanding the VIN and chassis number are essential. These alphanumeric codes hold vital information about your vehicle, including its make, model, manufacturing details, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what the VIN and chassis number of a vehicle are. We will also know where to find them, how to decode them, and where to locate your car's engine number.
What is a VIN or chassis number?
The chassis number, often referred to simply as the "chassis," is a unique identifier for your vehicle. The VIN is also known as the vehicle ID number. It plays a crucial role in identifying the car's frame or structure, which is the foundation on which the entire vehicle is built. It is like your car's DNA, carrying information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, and specifications.
To find your car's chassis number:
Check the registration certificate
The easiest way to locate the chassis number is to refer to your vehicle's registration certificate.
Inspect the dashboard
Look through the windshield on the driver's side. The chassis number is often there near the dashboard, visible from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver's side door
If you can't find the chassis number on the dashboard, try opening the driver's side door. Sometimes, it is there on the door frame or pillar.
Check under the hood
Lift the hood of your car, and you might find the chassis number in this area, usually near the engine compartment.
Look in the spare tyre well
In some cars, you may find the chassis number in the spare tyre well or underneath the trunk area.
Inspect the policy document
The car insurance policy for your vehicle may also contain the chassis number.
Why is the car VIN chassis number important?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) chassis number plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and security for both buyers and sellers. Here's why the car VIN chassis number is of paramount importance:
Vehicle history
The VIN helps you access vital information, including the car's manufacturing date, make, model, and more, giving insight into its past.
Verification
By verifying a car's VIN, you can confirm its authenticity and avoid potential scams when buying a used vehicle.
Safety recalls
Manufacturers use VINs to identify vehicles subject to safety recalls, ensuring you stay informed about any potential issues.
Insurance claims
Insurance companies use VINs to assess a vehicle's history, which can affect coverage rates and claims processing.
Online tools
You can easily check a car's VIN online to verify its legitimacy and gain access to valuable data that can help you make an informed decision when buying or selling a vehicle.
Also read: Driving Licence
How to get your vehicle details online?
In the digital age, obtaining vehicle details online has become remarkably convenient. The Indian government has introduced platforms like Vahan and MParivahan, along with services like Digilocker, which allow you to access important vehicle information. Here's how to use these platforms:
Vahan
Visit the Vahan website or use the Vahan app. Enter your vehicle's registration number, and you can retrieve details like the chassis number, engine number, and other essential information.
MParivahan
Similar to Vahan, Parivahan Sewa also offers online access to your vehicle's details. Simply enter your vehicle's registration number, and the MParivahan app will provide the necessary information.
Digilocker
It allows you to store and access important documents digitally. You can link your aadhar card with digilocker, making it easier to access your vehicle's documents, including the registration certificate.
What is VIN? How to decode VIN?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a globally standardised 17-character code used to uniquely identify motor vehicles. Each VIN is like a car's fingerprint, containing information about its manufacturer, model, country of origin, and more. Decoding a VIN can provide insights into your car's history.
To decode a VIN, you need to understand the meaning of each character:
Characters 1-3: These characters represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) and identify the car's manufacturer and country of assembly.
Characters 4-8: This part of the VIN is the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and contains information about the vehicle's model, body type, and engine type.
Characters 9: The ninth character is a security check character to prevent fraud.
Characters 10-17: Known as the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), this part of the VIN carries information about the car's unique serial number, year of manufacture, and assembly plant.
How to obtain a car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
You can find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in various places on your car, and here are the common locations:
Registration certificate
After purchasing a car, it must be registered with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO prints the chassis number on the Registration Certificate (RC), providing a way to identify your vehicle. Your vehicle's registration certificate should prominently display the VIN.
Dashboard
Few cars will have their VIN printed in the driver’s side of the dashboard. The VIN is often visible through the windshield on the driver's side, at the base of the windshield.
Door frame
Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker or plate on the door frame. The VIN is sometimes printed on the driver’s side door frame.
Hood
On occasions, some cars can have the vehicle identification number printed under the hood. Check for the VIN under the hood of your car, near the engine compartment.
Boot
Some car manufacturers can print the VIN under the spare tyre of the vehicle. Check underneath the spare tyre in the trunk area.
Car dealer
One of the most convenient ways to find the VIN of your car is to visit the dealership from where you purchased the car. The dealer should be able to provide you with the vehicle identification number of your car.
Front grille
The chassis number or VIN may sometimes be printed under the front grille of certain vehicle models or manufacturers, although this is not always the case.
Insurance policy document
Having a vehicle insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle owner as per the Motor Vehicles Act. Your vehicle insurance policy will have the VIN printed on it.
Spare tyre well
Check underneath the spare tire in the trunk area.
Wheel well
In some vehicles, you may find the VIN on the inside of the wheel well.
Policy document
Your vehicle insurance policy may also contain the VIN.
Where can I find the engine number of my car?
The engine number is a unique code that identifies your car's engine. It is essential for various legal and administrative purposes, such as insurance and vehicle registration. To locate your car's engine number, consider these options:
Engine compartment
The most common place to find the engine number is on the engine block itself. It is usually there on the engine.
Registration certificate
The engine number is also mentioned in your vehicle's registration certificate, making it easy to access when needed for official purposes.
Insurance policy
Similar to the registration certificate, your car's insurance policy often contains the engine number.
Car dealership
If you are unsure about the location of your engine number, your car dealership can provide guidance and assistance in locating it.
Owner's manual
Some owner's manuals include information on where to find the engine number, so be sure to check your car's manual for guidance.
In conclusion, knowing your car chassis number, VIN, and engine number is crucial for various purposes, such as insurance claim processing, vehicle authentication, and maintenance. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily find these details and keep them handy for future use.
