by 
The Curious Bag
-
The vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, is a 17-digit code that is given to each new car when it is built. The code uses numbers and letters and is unique to each car.
History
Unofficial VIN numbers date back to the 1950s, when car manufacturers started labeling their cars and parts, but it wasn't until the 1980s that the U.S. Department of Transportation implemented the current 17-digit code for all new vehicles.
Function
The VIN identifies each car so that the car's history can be tracked. A history report can include prior repairs, damages and mileage reports.
Location
The VIN number is found in several places throughout the car, including the dashboard, steering column and firewall.
Identification
The VIN identifies where a car was constructed, which company built it and information about the car's make.
Warning
Make sure that all the VIN numbers match before you purchase a car because mismatched or missing numbers could suggest a stolen car or faulty repairs.
Source:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC