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How to Decode a VIN?

A VIN is a short form for a Vehicle Identification Number, which is a 17-digit number that is unique for every vehicle. It came into existence in the year 1954 but was popularized in 1981. It contains a lot of information regarding the vehicle and helps people when they want to purchase a used vehicle. It is crucial to learn about VIN and how to decode this to get the most out of it. 

You can find your vehicle’s VIN on the outside bottom of the windshield. But not every vehicle has the VIN number in the same place. You will have to look at plenty of places to find your vehicle’s VIN in the car. You can learn about previous car owner by VIN, its accidental history, and many other things. Now, let us learn how you can decode this 17-digit number. 

VIN Decoding

Now, let us have a look at the steps you can follow to decode the VIN of your vehicle. 

  • The first three digits of the VIN contain information regarding the origin of the vehicle. They are known as WMI or World Manufacturer Identifiers. 
  • The next digits from 4 to 8 tell about the vehicle descriptor. It is basically the information about the model type of the vehicle, its body type, engine, etc.  
  • The digit 9 is known as a check digit. It is also a security code or code number that the manufacturer generates in order to identify the whole number or for verifying its authenticity. 
  • The next digits come into the category of vehicle identifier section. The 10th digit tells you about the model year of the vehicle. 
  • 11th digit provides information regarding the plant code of the manufacturer. As you know, vehicle manufacturers have their unique codes in which they build various types of vehicles. 
  • The next digits from 12 to 17 are known as production numbers. They are usually in the form of a sequence and roll through the production line. 

Benefits of VIN

Now, you have already learned how much you can learn about a vehicle by just looking at its VIN. But there is much more you can do with it. You can get a free vehicle history report online by doing a VIN check. You can also find vehicle by VIN Number. 

Well, this is the information you can get when you have the vehicle, but VIN is used widely before making the decision of purchasing a used vehicle. It can help you from fraudsters and scammers who are trying to sell you a bad vehicle. You can easily learn about the vehicle with a simple online check and make your decision wisely. It will help you to buy the best-used vehicle around. 

 

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Auto VIN Check and Vehicle History Reports

Let us take an example of you looking for a good college to study or you are looking for a good school for your child. Now, before making your final decision of taking admission to school or college, you will make sure the place is perfect for you or your child to study. You will surely have a look at its infrastructure and the current facilities it is providing, but you will go beyond that. You will make sure that the school or college has provided good results in the past as well. You will make sure the history of the building is good and it has always made students successful. If things do not match your expectations, you will drop the idea of taking admission. The same thing goes into your mind when you buy a used vehicle and that is where an auto VIN Check becomes very crucial. 

Importance of VIN

As you know, you cannot determine every single thing about the vehicle when you look at it for the first time. You may notice a few things, but there is no way you can guess what the vehicle has been through. If the vehicle has had a bad time, the seller is not going to reveal them because that may decrease the price of the vehicle. So, it is crucial for you to uncover the truth and find out the real price of the vehicle. It is important for you to learn the history of the vehicle and find out if the vehicle had been used for any illegal activities or not. You do not want to buy any stolen vehicle or damaged vehicle, and that is why it is crucial to do an auto VIN number lookup. 

A VIN or Vehicle Identification Number contains all the details about a vehicle. It is 17 digits long and is unique for every vehicle. It helps you get all the history reports and real specifications of the vehicle. So, if the seller is hiding something then you can easily know that by checking VIN. 

What does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

Now, it is time to learn what exactly you will come to know about in the vehicle’s history reports. Here are the major things you will learn about in the report: 

  1. Flood Damage
  2. Airbag Deployments
  3. Previous Owners 
  4. Odometer Rollbacks
  5. Liens

You can easily do a cheap VIN check at vinhistoryusa.com and learn about the vehicle. With the history reports, you will also get other major reports that can play a crucial role in deciding if you should buy that vehicle. Sellers often try to hide negatives about the vehicles they are selling, it is your own duty to not fall into their trap by using your knowledge. You can easily expose their scams by getting vehicle reports from us. We are sure they will help you to make the right call. 

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Why is it Important to Check VIN Before Buying a Vehicle?

Before you decide to buy a used vehicle, you check for tons of things in it. You make sure the condition of the vehicle is just like of a new one. You make sure there are all the parts available for the vehicle. But, there are a few things that you cannot check with your naked eyes or when you look at the vehicle for the first time. For example, if you have gone for purchasing a car, you can learn about its condition, etc., but what about car service history? Its history related to theft, disasters, etc., are something you cannot know by looking at the vehicle. And that is why you need to check VIN during those situations. 

What is VIN?

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. it is a 17-digit character that is unique for every vehicle. It contains information regarding that vehicle and is one of the most reliable ways to learn completely about a vehicle. It is used to check a vehicle’s history, its specifications, and whatnot. 

Where to Locate the VIN Number?

Different vehicles contain their VIN number at different places. To find your vehicle’s VIN number, you can check these places: 

  • Under the hood. 
  • Have a look at the interior dashboard on the driver’s side. 
  • You can also check the front end of the car

These are some of the most common places inside the vehicle where you can locate the VIN number. In case you are not able to find the VIN, you can always have a look at the documents of your vehicle or insurance documents to check the VIN. 

These are the things that a car owner can do to locate the VIN, but in case you have the VIN and do not know about the car owner, you can always do a VIN check and learn about the car owner by VIN

Importance of VIN Before Buying a Used Vehicle?

Now, let us come to the main point. If you want to buy a used vehicle then there are a lot of things you need to care about. It is a completely different experience from buying a brand new vehicle because at that stage, you rest assured about the quality and condition of the vehicle. You also know that the vehicle has all the parts, etc. So, you do not have to think much and you just buy a new vehicle. 

This is not the case with used vehicles. You have to remain extra careful and use VIN to ensure all things are right. You can check car service history online free with the help of VIN. You can know about the real specifications of the vehicle. You can uncover the truths that the seller is hiding from you. These things will help you to make the right decision about purchasing the vehicle. If things do not seem right, you can drop the idea of buying that vehicle and look for a better one.

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Precautions To Take While Buying A Used Vehicle, Including VIN Number

Many people decide to buy used vehicles for many reasons. Either they are not able to afford new ones at the moment, or they just want to learn to drive properly with the help of a used car before buying a new one. Whatever the reasons there are, people should take some precautions while buying a used vehicle. It is crucial to check VIN Number and get the reports, etc. Let us have a look at those precautions in detail. 

 

Check The Car Thoroughly

Well, it is obvious. But some people trust the words of sellers too much. You need to check the car by yourself and confirm every single claim the seller is making. It is alright to ignore a few minor scratches but be aware of the big ones. Do not buy a vehicle that is rusty. If a vehicle is rusty, that means something is not right with the history of the vehicle. If you spot a thing or two that bothers you, and you still want to buy the vehicle, then bargain and get the vehicle at its right price. 

Test Drive

Do not judge a book by its cover. Similarly, do not buy the vehicle without taking its test drive because that is very important. Make sure to experience that smoothness. You should not be hearing any unwanted noises because if you do, something is not right. Check the tailpipe for weird noises. Hop out of the car and keep the engine running, and confirm if everything is right. If there is any history of accidents, make sure to get a free accident report. 

Let A Mechanic Accompany You

Experts do not look at things the same way we do. They are capable of catching even minor complications that we cannot notice with our naked eyes. So, it is a good idea to have an expert beside you before buying a vehicle. The mechanic will be able to help you notice the nitty-gritty details of the vehicle. Well, you may pay him for his time but he will be able to help you in the big run. 

Document Verification

Now, that you have verified the vehicle, do not move ahead before verifying the documents of the vehicle. Begin with the registration certification because that is a crucial one in terms of legality and ownership. Make sure it is not a duplicate one. After that, do a VIN Search Free and Engine Number check, and make sure it is the same everywhere. Insurance is another common and important thing. Without insurance these days, it is foolish to hit the road. Other important documents that you can check are road tax certificates, pollution under control certificates, etc. Do not leave a single loophole, and for that, you can do some homework and search for them online. Try to be as attentive as possible because you do not want the vehicle to be the cause of unnecessary trouble in the future.  

 

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Tips for Winter Car Storage

If you are living in an area where winter is about to come, then you must be worried about the fact how you should store your vehicle. If you are a conscious guy and always check car VIN number before buying any used car, then your consciousness should not stop there. If winter is near and there is not much time left for you to see the snow falling on the road, you will be already worried about storing your vehicle. You are worried about the room you will require to store your vehicle. 

But before you try to hit your car into the garage, there are a couple of tips you should follow and keep in mind. These tips will help you to prevent your car from being damaged. They will increase the longevity of your vehicle and you will be able to enjoy it for many more years to come. Now, let us jump into them. 

  1. Before giving your vehicle a vacation, you need to check its insurance, title, etc. Make sure all the things are up-to-date. You can do a free VIN lookup in order to know everything about the vehicle. You need to ensure your insurance is covering the vehicle that is in storage. This thing will take a load off your brain and will keep you worry-free for the rest of storing days of your vehicle. 
  2. Make sure your car is properly cleaned before you put it in storage. You do not want the dust or any other thing to spread and ruin your vehicle. Rims and tires are one of the most important things to clean before storing your vehicle, so pay extra attention to them. You can also try waxing the exterior of your car as it will prevent corrosion during storage, which is a major issue most of the time. 
  3. After working on the exterior, it is time for the interior. Make sure your car is properly cleaned from the inside before you put it in storage. There are always some hidden dust particles in the vehicle. So, it is wise to do a proper cleaning using a vacuum, etc. Pay extra attention to the seats and floors. Also, many times people leave their items in the trunk, make sure you do not repeat that mistake. Keep your car cleaned fully from the interior and exterior. 
  4. When you put the vehicle in the garage then do not rely on the walls and roof only to cover it. You can use the extra material to cover your vehicle properly. You can use a breathable clean cloth or even a tarp. It will prevent the dust from interacting with your vehicle and will keep it clean from outside during winter.

You can keep your vehicle in check completely by using a VIN Decoder, which will provide you with all the information regarding your vehicle. The more you are aware of your vehicle’s situation, the better it is.  

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Best Car Wash Tips for Odor Removal

No matter how your car looks, the thing you care about the most is the presence of Odor in your car. A bad odor can not just ruin your experience of driving, but can also make you feel suffocated and unhealthy. It also ruins the traveling experience of others and makes a bad impression. So, it is crucial you get rid of that as early as possible, but as you know, the odor is stubborn, and it does not go that easily. So, we are here with some of the best tips that actually work when it comes to getting rid of unnecessary and annoying odor in your car. 

Make Sure to Clean the Surface of Your Car Regularly

The first step in getting rid of the odor is to clean your car’s surface regularly. Sometimes, any kind of dirt that can get embedded on the surface of the car can be the reason behind the continuous smell. You should check the surface of your car regularly and make sure it is clean. Another reason to check it is you wear shoes and sometimes they have dirt on them, which can interact with the surface. So, it is crucial to clean the car’s wood, plastic, and other metallic surfaces. To maintain a clean surface, you can use any good detergent which can help you. 

Clear the Mess of Your Car

Some people think of their car as a trash can. If you are one of those who let any kind of trash gather in your car, then you should not be surprised by the odor. The more trash there is, the bad odor will be, and the harder it will take to clear it. Now, you see, the more type of trash gathers in your vehicle, the more type of equipment you will have to use to clear it out. If sometimes, any kind of coffee or tea gets spilled in your vehicle, make sure you clean it as soon as possible. Keeping it there for the wash day will just increase the amount of trouble for you. 

Change Your Car’s Air Filter Regularly

Car filters are a crucial part of the vehicle. They are essential as they clear or filter out the dirt, pollen, mold, etc., in the car that can enter inside the vehicle through AC or heating systems. If your car filter is unable to filter them out, they can create odor. If you feel that your car’s filter is not working properly, you need to change it. Also, it is not just about the odor but it helps to have good air quality which is important for breathing also, and you do not want to compromise that. 

If you are someone who wants to buy a used vehicle and wants to ensure everything in that car is working properly, then the best way to do so is to do a free VIN Lookup that will provide you with the free vehicle history reports

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These Are The Used Car Scams Going On In The Market Right Now

No matter where you go, you cannot hide from scammers. You will find the scammers in every field robbing everyone. But the good thing is, the more informed you are about the types of scams going on, the more chances you have to stay away from them. Now, let us have a look at the used car scams that you need to stay aware of right now.

Title Washing Scam

The title is a very important part of the vehicle. And this scam involves eliminating the titles of the used vehicle. It mainly involves those vehicles that have already been destroyed due to incidents, such as floods, accidents, etc. They skip the owner’s transfer and leins, which are part of this scam. The main reason for this scam is to eliminate the car history or history of the vehicle. It means you cannot get the history reports if you do a free VIN Search. It allows the scammers to provide a new title to the vehicle, which means no history at all. Although it is hard to execute, you should still be aware of such information so that you do not become part of this scam when buying a used vehicle.

Wire Transfer and Gift Card Scams

Out of all, these are the most common scams you will ever come across in the market. In this scam, people who are looking for buying cars will call toll-free numbers they find online. The scammer on the other side says that they accept payment only as gift cards. Once you provide them with the digits, the money is gone. The worst thing is you cannot trace these cards and even the police cannot really do anything about it. The best way to act during these moments is to contact the gift card company itself and let them know what has happened to you. If you are fortunate enough, you will get a refund. You can also do a car VIN Search in order to learn more about the car and its history. It will help you to make good decision before buying a new car and save you from the scammers.

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First Things You Should Worry About Before Buying a Used Car

If you are planning to buy a new car then we are sure you must have checked its condition, performance, etc. But this is not enough. In order to buy a new car, you need to go beyond the limits of your thinking and think about how this vehicle is going to behave in the future. That means you do not want your car to be any trouble for you in the future.

There can be many ways a vehicle can get you in trouble. As we mentioned, you already know how the performance and strength of a vehicle are very crucial in order to drive it, but there are other things as well that you cannot see with your naked eyes. How about the history of the car itself? You cannot see it, but it holds a major part in your decision-making about buying the car. That is why we suggest you do a VIN Check Free at vinhistoryusa.com. It will allow you to check the history of the car and will provide you with many reports.

The earlier you do a VIN Number lookup, the better it will be for you. You will come to if the car has been stolen or not, or if the car has been involved in an accident before. It will also provide you with the real car’s specifications and if the dealer is hiding something from you, then it will become clear on those car reports. It will make it much easier for you to make the right decision while buying a used car because they have a history of which you are not aware. All you have to do is a couple of simple clicks and do a car VIN Search. We are sure you will find the process easy and helpful.

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Most Common Questions About VIN

No matter which vehicle you buy, it has its own unique identification number called VIN. VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is a 17-character long number that is unique for every vehicle around the world. It is a very useful thing for the buyer as it allows to know about the vehicle’s history, its specifications, etc. A lot of people are unaware of the specialties of this number, so we will answer some of the most asked questions about VIN in this blog.

How Can I Find My Car’s VIN?

To do a VIN checkup, you can check on the driver’s side dashboard of your car or vehicle. You can initially try to find it by remaining outside and just have a look at your dashboard where it is meeting the windshield. If you are unable to find it there, then gander at the entryway post.

How Can I Decode My Vehicle’s VIN?

The best way to decode VIN and find information about your car or any other vehicle using this number is to do a car VIN search online. vinhistoryusa.com is one of the best websites to find information regarding your vehicle with the help of VIN. It will provide you with plenty of your car reports. You should definitely use this platform before making a decision of buying a used vehicle.

Why VIN Check is Important?

VIN Number Lookup is important for plenty of reasons. With the help of VIN, you get to know the vehicle’s history. You get to learn if it has been involved in any kind of accident or not, or even theft. It provides you with other important vehicle information, such as model, makes, year, etc. You also learn if there is any kind of criminal history or activity done by the car. These things help you to avoid any kind of legal trouble in the future regarding your vehicle’s history.

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Advantages of VIN Lookup

Free VIN Number Search is a great way to find information regarding your vehicle. VIN or Vehicle Identification Numbers carries 17 characters. It is unique for every vehicle and holds some very important information about it. Now, let us have a look at the best things that a VIN lookup can do for you.

Let You Know Complete Features of the Vehicle

It is true that vehicles these days come with tons of specs and features. Sometimes, you find yourself guessing if your vehicle can perform a certain task or if that feature is available in it. That is why it is not easy these days to identify all the specs of a vehicle, but a best free VIN check can certainly help you to learn all the specifications of your vehicle. It tells about not only the qualities and features but also some other crucial information, such as the year of make, model, etc.

Provide Vehicle’s History

Use this feature because you need it the most when you are trying to buy a new vehicle. Let us take an example of a car. If you want to buy a used car, then you should know about the car’s history. A free VIN Lookup can get car history reports for you in no time. It is like the VIN is tied to the history of the vehicle. You can learn if the vehicle has been stolen or not, and you can also know if it has been involved in an accident before. These kinds of things you should definitely know before making a decision regarding the purchase of the vehicle. If you remain reckless at that time, then you can certainly fall into some kind of legal trouble in the future. So, it is crucial you always do a VIN lookup before buying a used car.