This fear is partly caused by a lack of knowledge about how to thoroughly inspect a vehicle without relying solely on the seller’s subjective opinion. How can this be done? All you need is a VIN decoder, which will quickly and, more importantly, reliably present the vehicle’s operating history from the moment it was manufactured.

From this article, you will learn, among other things:

  • What is a VIN decoder?
  • What does a VIN number consist of?
  • How does a VIN decoder help expose automotive fraud?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • How does a VIN decoder work?
  • What do the symbols in a VIN number mean?
  • What types of fraud are committed when used cars are sold?
  • Can a VIN decoder really help you avoid fraud?
  • VIN decoder – applications

How does a VIN decoder work?

A VIN decoder makes it possible to decode vehicle data contained in the VIN number. The number itself is a sequence of seventeen characters that are incomprehensible without the appropriate tool, even to a specialist.

Only software such as the tool available on the https://bestvin.pl website makes it possible to read information collected about a particular car or motorcycle throughout its entire operating period.

Why is the VIN number so important?

Unfortunately, the used-car sales market is rife with cases of falsifying readings from measuring devices installed in vehicles. So-called odometer rollback or deletion of the onboard computer’s memory is intended to convince customers that a car is in much better technical condition than it actually is.

A positive first impression is reinforced by skillful restoration of the bodywork and cabin interior. All elements that could indicate the vehicle’s actual wear are replaced, while in the case of cars originating from criminal activity, false customs documentation, sales contracts, insurance policies, and so on are prepared.

These are matters that the average citizen cannot verify independently. Only inspections during a roadside check or at a vehicle inspection station make it possible to determine the vehicle’s actual technical and legal status.

Administrative or even criminal proceedings are also usually initiated to determine whether the vehicle owner was involved in falsifying the data. Worse still, if the car is stolen, the vehicle is confiscated. There is no reimbursement, and all commercial arrangements are deemed null and void.

Can this be prevented? Yes, but it requires a certain degree of caution, demonstrated by the fact that the vehicle is checked with a VIN decoder before the purchase transaction. What does a VIN number contain?

What do the symbols in a VIN number mean?

The effectiveness of the procedure for checking a vehicle’s history with a VIN decoder follows directly from the amount and quality of the information available in the system. Let us examine its significance based on the structure of the VIN number.

A VIN number consists of three segments:

  • VMI – three characters identifying the manufacturer, brand and country of origin of the vehicle;
  • VDS – 6 characters, the last four of which are digits. This is a general description of the vehicle: model, equipment, power unit, etc. This section also contains a check character that makes it possible to verify whether the VIN number is correct;
  • VIS – the identification number of the specific vehicle, consisting of eight characters.

With regard to the production date, it is worth recalling that these are letter designations.

Vehicles manufactured:

  • From 1980 to 2000 are marked with the letters L–Y;
  • From 2001 to 2009, with the digits 1 to 9;
  • A vehicle manufactured in 2010 is encoded with the letter A;
  • 2011 – B;
  • 2012 – C;
  • 2013 – D;
  • 2014 model year – E.

The following years correspond analogously to the subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet.

Where is the VIN number located?

The location of the VIN number depends on the car’s make. Most often, the marking is found on the so-called cowl panel on the driver’s side. This is where the windshield meets the dashboard. The number can also be found on the right wheel arch or near the door latch.

Other VIN number locations:

  • Engine compartment, on the right side reinforcement;
  • Floor, near the front right seat;
  • Trunk, on the right side of the floor;
  • Under the passenger’s floor mat;
  • Service book;
  • Registration certificate.

Warning! The VIN number cannot be erased. It is physically impossible for the marking to be damaged or lost. Any suggestions that it is impossible to check the VIN number should be treated as an attempted fraud. In such a situation, immediately withdraw from the transaction!

VIN decoder – applications

A VIN decoder is useful not only to a private individual planning to buy a used car. It is an effective verification tool that can strengthen the credibility of businesses involved in purchasing and selling cars on the secondary market.

In this case, a VIN decoder not only protects a company’s reputation. It also strengthens brand awareness, guarantees financial and legal security, and brings the company new customers. News that a verified car can be purchased at a particular used-car dealership or showroom usually spreads like wildfire. After all, it has long been known that a satisfied customer is the best advertising.