Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How do you read a car's VIN number?

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Checks and maintenance

In this video we understand how to read the chassis number of a vehicle: the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is composed of 4 sections for a total of 17 numbers and letters, commonly called "digits". The chassis number is indicated on a plate on the bottom left of the windshield, but be careful, this is not the legal chassis number, but just a courtesy plate used by the dealer to move the vehicle until it has a license plate. The first digit of the VIN can be a number or a letter and indicates the country of origin of the vehicle; numbers belong to the American continent or Australia, while other countries have letters. The second digit identifies the manufacturer, while the third digit the type of vehicle. From the fourth to the eighth digit is the second part of the VIN, and tells us which car it is; model, engine, version and configuration. The ninth digit is a control unit, while the tenth tells us the year of manufacture of the vehicle, but indicated by a letter. The last six digits are the progressive number of the chassis for that model.

Posted on 22 July 2025 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Where to find the VIN and engine number of the Toyota Avanza
(Various brands) Various In this video we can see where the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the engine number are located on a Toyota Avanza. This is a multi-purpose …
What Information Can the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Provide?
What Information Can the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Provide?
(Various brands) Various In this video, you will learn what information the chassis number of a car or commercial vehicle can provide. Firstly, you can find out in which coun…
Why Do Car Suspensions Make Noises?
Why Do Car Suspensions Make Noises?
(Various brands) Various Here is a list of the five main reasons why suspensions make noises: -Reason number one, stabiliser bar links; -Reason number two, shock absorber mou…

Other guides you may be interested in

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Vari - What does it mean when the message "insp" appears on a car? Read answer
    • Vari - What problems does the Kymco Downtown 300i have? Read answer

How to Open a Stuck Boot on the Peugeot 407?

On the Peugeot 407, the boot may become stuck, possibly due to a problem with the control button or the lock actuator. In such cases, you can perform an emergency opening by following the simple procedure shown in this tutorial. First, open the rear doors, then lower the seat back by operating the release lever. Next, go inside the boot, locate the lock, and manually operate it using a flathead screwdriver. The boot will then be free to open.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos