If you’ve ever owned a vehicle before, one of the most important pieces of information that every automobile has is a VIN number. It is something that is used in criminal investigations, to register your insurance, and to even know if a car is registered to a particular driver or not.
The Definition of VIN
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and all automobiles require manufacturers to put a VIN umber on every vehicle that they manufacture. It consists of 17 individual numbers and letters and is required by law, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the interesting parts of a VIN is that it will never include the letters O, Q, and I.
What is a VIN Used For?
As mentioned, there are many reasons as to why it is required for all vehicles to have an identification number. The main reason is so that your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can keep tabs on who owns which car. It is also quite important for police officers to keep track of any stolen vehicles in the area.
Valuable Information In The Event Of A Recall
Vehicle manufacturers also find themselves in need of knowing the VIN of the cars and trucks that they produce as it gives them valuable information in the event of a recall. Although we like to assume that every automobile is crafted above industry standards, at times parts can fail. With the help of the VIN, manufacturers are able to contact customers to let them know that parts might need to be recalled or upgraded.
Knowing Which Parts Are Suitable For Your Car
In the event that you have to get repairs done to your vehicle, the VIN number is also a phenomenal way for mechanics and service professionals to know exactly what parts they need to order for your car. Every brake system, transmission fluid, and even oil filter differs depending on the type of vehicle that you have. If the wrong part is used, it can cause an insurmountable number of issues with your vehicle.
Knowing Car’s History
Finally, if you’re in the market for a used vehicle you’d be quite interested in what the VIN can tell you. You will be able to receive a complete vehicle history that lets you know if service has been performed on the car, if it’s been stolen, if there’s been any significant damage, if it’s been in an accident, how long it’s been owned, who owned the vehicle, and more. It’s essentially the social security number for every motor vehicle on the road.