How to Tell a Vehicle Year by VIN Number
In today’s digital age, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has become an essential tool for identifying and verifying various aspects of a vehicle. One of the most common queries among car enthusiasts and buyers is how to determine the year of a vehicle using its VIN number. This article will guide you through the process of decoding the VIN to find out the year of manufacture.
Understanding the VIN Format
A VIN is a unique 17-character code that is assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. The format of the VIN is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The first three characters of the VIN represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. The next six characters are the Vehicle Description Section (VDS), which includes information about the vehicle’s body style, engine, and transmission. The final six characters are the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS), which is a unique serial number assigned to each vehicle.
Locating the VIN
To find the VIN on a vehicle, you can check several locations. The VIN is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield. You can also find it on the driver’s side door jamb, the engine block, or the frame. In some cases, the VIN may be printed on the vehicle’s registration or title.
Decoding the VIN
The year of manufacture is encoded in the 10th character of the VIN. The following table shows the range of characters assigned to each year:
| Character | Year Range |
|———–|————|
| A | 1980 |
| B | 1981 |
| C | 1982 |
| … | … |
| Y | 2000 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| … | … |
| 9 | 2009 |
| A | 2010 |
| … | … |
| Z | 2019 |
For example, if the 10th character of the VIN is “B,” the vehicle was manufactured in 1981.
Additional Tips
– Remember that the VIN is case-sensitive, so ensure you’re using the correct characters.
– If you’re unable to locate the VIN on the vehicle, you can also use online VIN lookup services to retrieve the year of manufacture and other vehicle details.
– Be cautious when using VIN information to avoid any potential privacy issues.
In conclusion, determining the year of a vehicle using its VIN number is a straightforward process. By understanding the VIN format and decoding the 10th character, you can easily find out the year of manufacture. This information is invaluable for car enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers alike.
