SolveYourProblem eLearning Series: Car Lemon Laws
Got Shafted?
Fight Back if Your Car is a Lemon!
( 27 pages )

What You Should Know about VIN Numbers

All cars and light trucks that were built after 1981 have a unique 17-character number that is used to recall specific and valuable information about that specific car’s history. This number is actually called the vehicle identification number (VIN#).

The VIN is how you can get all of the records for everything that will ever happen to that car. It displays a car’s uniqueness and manufacturer and it also provides a method to trace your car from the factory all the way to the junk yard.

Your VIN can be used to track any recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage too. Before you think of buying a car, you need to look over the car and make sure that all of the VIN numbers you can find are the same when you look inside the car.

If they are different, the information that you will get may not be accurate. The VIN number is generally engraved into the car directly or on a sticker in numerous places in the car (inside the doors, the dash, the trunk, engine, and/or quarter panels for example).

States use the VIN number so that they can track a car’s status. You need to protect yourself by thoroughly checking the VIN number on the used car you want to buy. The locations of the vehicle identification number (VIN) often do vary but if you look below, you will learn the most common places that they can be found:

• Your car’s firewall

• Your car’s Radiator Support Bracket

• Your car’s Dash near the windshield

• The Left hand side at the inner wheel arch

• The car’s Steering column

• Check the Guarantee & Maintenance Book in glove compartment

• The Machined Pad on the front of the engine

• Drivers side door or post on passenger side

• Component parts also such as engine, frame, etc.

For the later model years locations of the VIN:

• Left instrumentation panel

• Dash plate by window

• Drivers door or post

• Firewall

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