It’s a little thing that reveals so much about your vehicle: the VIN number. That cute acronym stands for “Vehicle Identification Number” and there’s a lot going on with it. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here to give you everything you need to know about why it’s so important.
The VIN number is a series of 17 letters and letters. It’s been a standard identifier since 1954, although a vehicle pre-1981 has fewer characters. The Motor Vehicle administration uses the VIN as part of your car registration. It’s a crucial piece of information for insurance coverage, letting them know more about the vehicle so they can provide an accurate quote.
Peruzzi Toyota also uses the VIN number during a service appointment to ensure you’re getting the right parts. On that same note, it’s used in your vehicle’s history report, which comes in handy during a resale.
The VIN is also a way to track any warranty or recall issues. Of course, law enforcement uses the VIN when a theft is involved or anything else related to car crimes.
Depending on your Toyota model, the VIN will be found either on the driver’s side door jamb or the corner of the dashboard. Your title and registration, or your insurance card should also have it.
The VIN is unique to your vehicle and can tell its story, almost like DNA. Here’s how to “read” it.
- The first character tells you the country where your car was built.
- The second character is the manufacturer.
- The third character is the car’s type or division.
- The fourth through eighth characters describe brand, body style, engine size/type, model and series.
- The ninth character is an authorized security code from the manufacturer.
- The tenth character is the model year.
- The eleventh character is the plant where the car was assembled.
- The last six numbers represent the serial number.
At Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, we want you to know your vehicle as well as we do! Please reach out if you have any questions.
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