VIN code decryption
Vin code or number is a unique combination of Arabic numerals and Latin letters (excluding O, Q, I, which can be easily confused with 0 and 1) assigned to a car. Regardless of the brand and model, the code consists of 17 characters. It is applied to body parts and sometimes duplicated on the frame, dashboard, or seat belts. And the VIN number is always indicated in the vehicle registration document. This coding will help you correctly select parts for your car. All the data about the vehicle is encrypted in these 17 characters. It doesn't matter if it's a Japanese car (Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Mazda) or a European one (BMW, Opel, Peugeot, Volvo, or Seat). If you look at the coding from left to right in order, it carries the following meaning: - The country of manufacture is encoded under the first character. Numbers were assigned to North and South American countries, letters to other states. - The second character represents the automaker. Historically, from 1 to 9 are North American companies. For example, 1 is Chevrolet, 6 is Cadillac, and so on. Other manufacturers are hidden under letters. For example, N is Nissan and Infiniti, A is Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, D is Mercedes, M is Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Skoda, F is Ford, Fiat, Ferrari, Subaru. This information may be unnecessary because the owner knows what kind of car is in the garage. But studying the other characters will help you select parts by VIN code: - Characters from the third to the eighth provide information about the type of vehicle (truck, van, bus, or car), model, body configuration (sedan, crossover, liftback, etc.), transmission, and engine. - The ninth character is a check digit. - The tenth character is the model year. - The eleventh character is the plant where the car was assembled. - From the twelfth to the seventeenth, or the last 6 on the right, is the serial number from a specific plant. These numbers determine how to correctly select parts for the car. Cars produced in different model years at different factories may have slight differences. For example, a 2018 Kia Optima from China and Kazakhstan will have slight differences in construction. Different configurations for the European, Asian, or American markets can lead to mismatches in component configurations. If the Optima's headlights for the US are a couple of millimeters wider than those for France, this will lead to changes in the shape of the fenders, radiator grille, bumper, hood, and so on.How to select parts by VIN number
When repairing a car at a service station, it is better to search for auto parts yourself. Spare parts for the body, transmission, engine, and other parts in the workshop may not fit in size or may differ in shape or fasteners. Visiting auto markets and auto dismantlers can take a lot of time but will definitely bring a positive result in the form of original components. It is more effective to select the necessary components in online stores, where catalogs indicate the types of auto parts available for one model in different years of production and sales. The factory coding and the manufacturer's region - the last 7 characters of the VIN code - should be indicated under the article numbers. By comparing this information with the vehicle's registration details and achieving a complete match, you can confidently complete the search and place an order.Where is the best place to buy auto parts
Over the years of owning a car, the owner accumulates a list of stores and dismantlers where original parts can be purchased cheaper. In rare cases, it may be necessary to order auto parts online from unfamiliar dealers. A seller's reputation will be evidence that they are reliable. A large number of customers cannot be wrong. If delivery to the desired location is offered along with the purchase, and the catalog provides the option to select parts by VIN code, then such a company can be trusted.11 2021
