Ultimate guide: How to easily look up auto parts by VIN number

Are you tired of sifting through countless auto parts websites and manuals trying to find the right part for your car? Worry no more! Say hello to the ultimate guide on how to easily look up auto parts by VIN number. No more confusion, no more frustration. With just a few clicks and some VIN decoding magic, you’ll be able to find the perfect part for your ride. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of VIN number decoding!

The Birth of the VIN: How Vehicle Identification Number was Standardized

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number — a unique 17-digit code given to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. The VIN serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle. It also contains important information such as the manufacturer, model, year of production, and above all, the original specifications, recommended replacement parts, and the recommended maintenance routine for each part. More recently, the VIN has been used as a universal identifier of all information associated with a car. So, if you want specific information on ownership, title brands, liens, warranties, market value, recalls, and the likes, you will likely get the information you need via a VIN check. The international and US legal basis of VINs is based on a number of different standards and regulations. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires all vehicles to have a VIN that meets its requirements. Specifically, NHTSA requires that the VIN be tamper-resistant and contain information such as the country of origin, manufacturer, and model year. Internationally, the VIN system is regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), based on the ISO3779 and ISO4030 standards. The ISO requires that all vehicles manufactured after the implementation of these standards to have a VIN that conforms to the required specifications. Overall, the purpose of the VIN system is to provide a universal way of identifying and tracking vehicles. This system is important for vehicles being imported or exported to different countries as well as for tracking stolen vehicles or vehicles involved in accidents.

What Auto Parts are Identified by Doing VIN Number Lookup

Knowing the original parts can help you with understanding the vehicle on a deep level. Likewise, knowing the auto parts compatible with your vehicle can aid you with its replacement needs, if there are any. Doing a VIN check can provide information about several parts of a car of interest, which can reveal the following.

• Model and body type of the vehicle
• Vehicle series and trim level
• Vehicle use and classification, such as commercial or personal vehicles.
• Exterior color
• Interior color
• Engine size and type
• Restraint system type
• Transmission type
• Brake system type
• Drive type
• Safety equipment and features
• Entertainment features
• Convenience features
• Others

Where to Look for VIN Numbers When Buying a Used Car?

Check VIN on common VIN number locations of a car. The most common locations of VIN decoder entries are as follows. Dashboard – visible through the windshield on the driver’s side of the dashboard. Driver’s side door jamb – a sticker with the VIN is often located on the door jamb or edge of the driver’s side door. Vehicle title or registration – the VIN is often printed on the vehicle title or registration. Insurance documents – the VIN is typically listed on insurance documents or card for a vehicle. Manufacturer’s website – the VIN can often be used to look up vehicle information on the manufacturer’s website. Owner’s manual – the owner’s manual may also contain the VIN, usually on the cover or first page. Besides these usual VIN locations, there are rare VIN spots you can find on popular makes/manufacturers. They can be quite handy when you run out of place to do VIN lookup.

1. Toyota VIN Check Locations

• Engine compartment – on some Toyota models, the Toyota VIN number may be located on the engine’s firewall or near the radiator.
• Spare tire well – in some cases, the Toyota VIN may be located on a sticker in the spare tire well, usually on the trunk or under the vehicle.
• Frame – the Toyota VIN number can be found stamped on the frame or chassis of the vehicle.
• Firewall – the VIN may be located on the firewall, which is the metal panel that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment.
• Transmission – some Toyota models have the VIN stamped onto the transmission case.

2. Lexus VIN Check Location

• Engine block – In some models, the Lexus VIN number may be found on the driver’s side of the engine compartment.

3. VW VIN Check Locations

• Engine block – the Volkswagen VIN number is sometimes stamped into the engine block.
• Front of the car frame – look near the front of the car, on the frame, for the VW VIN number.

4. Honda VIN Check Locations

• Engine block – the Honda VIN number is stamped on the engine block, usually on the front or back of the engine.
• Transmission – the Honda VIN is also stamped on the transmission case or transmission label.

5. Ford VIN Check Locations

• Engine block – Ford often stamps the Ford VIN number on the engine block, usually on the side that faces the firewall.
• Transmission – on some models, the Ford VIN may be located on the transmission case.
• Rear axle – some Ford models have the VIN stamped on the rear axle housing.
• Frame – the Ford VIN number may also be stamped on the frame, typically on the driver’s side near the front.

6. Subaru VIN Check Locations

• Engine – the Subaru VIN number is stamped on the engine block.
• Transmission – the Subaru VIN is often stamped on the transmission housing.
• Firewall or bulkhead – some Subaru models have a VIN tag or sticker located on the firewall or bulkhead in the engine compartment.
• Spare tire well – the Subaru VIN number may be stamped on the metal frame of the spare tire well in the trunk.

7. Jeep VIN Check Locations

• Front of the engine block – on some models, the Jeep VIN number can be found on the front of the engine block.
• Firewall – on some models, the Jeep VIN can be found on the firewall, directly behind the engine compartment.
• Rear wheel well – in rare cases, the Jeep VIN number may be located on the rear wheel well or frame rail.

8. Chevrolet VIN Check Locations

• Engine block – on some Chevy models, the Chevrolet VIN number can be found stamped onto the engine block itself.
• Transmission – some Chevy models have the Chevy VIN stamped onto the transmission as well.
• Frame – in rare cases, the Chevy VIN number may be found on the frame or chassis of the vehicle.

9. GM VIN Check Locations

• Steering column – a few GM models, such as the Chevrolet S10 and GMC S15, had their GM VIN numbers stamped on the steering column, near the ignition switch.
• Rear of the frame, near the fuel tank – some older GM trucks had their General Motors VINs stamped on a plate attached to the rear of the frame rail, near the fuel tank.
• Engine compartment (passenger side) – some older GM vehicles, especially those from the 1980s, had the GM VIN number stamped on a metal plate attached to the firewall on the passenger side of the engine compartment.

10. BMW VIN Check Locations

• Engine block – the BMW VIN number stamped onto the engine block itself.
• Front strut tower – the BMW VIN is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment.
• Rear strut tower – on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
• Transmission – on a plate located on the transmission or transmission housing.
• Firewall – located on the firewall near the brake master cylinder.