What is a VIN or Chassis Number?
Cars have had serial numbers since the early days of the motor industry, but there wasn’t a standard until VIN numbers were ratified in the early 1980s.
To sum it up, a VIN number – also called Vehicle Identification Number – is your car’s unique identity code. It comes in the shape of a 17-digit number stamped into the chassis of every car on the planet. That is why it can also be called Chassis Number. They display the car’s unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
VIN Numbers are unique to each car and cannot be changed. They’re given to the vehicle on the production line and are fixed to that car forever. This also means that there are no cars with the same VIN. And also makes them a vital tool to prove a car’s identity and authenticate ownership.
Vehicle Identification Numbers can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, insurance coverage or thefts.
Difference between a VIN number, a Chassis Number and an engine number?
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and Chassis Numbers are the same. The two are interchangeable and mean the same.
Car engine numbers are, however, another thing. They are not fixed to the car and, like other components, can be changed. But because the engine is such a vital part of a car they are also given a number to specify size and power output.
Car engine numbers are useful when you need to replace your engine for a new one. Then the car will be assigned a new engine number. The VIN Number will stay the same.
History of the VIN Number
Vehicle Identification Numbers as we know them today were ratified in 1980 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) as the standard. It’s a global system of 17-digit chassis numbers that is applied to every single vehicle produced worldwide.
Before that, each individual carmaker had their own method of recording vehicle and component identities. The lack of a standard meant it was easy for crooks and fraudsters to create fake IDs and ownership documents for cars.