How to Find the Chassis Number Of Your Car?

In the intricate world of automobiles, various numbers and codes are crucial for identification, maintenance, and servicing purposes. One such indispensable number that every car owner should be acquainted with is the chassis number.

So what is the chassis number in the car? And how to check the chassis number on your car? Keep reading to know!

What is a Chassis Number?

A chassis number is a special identification code that is given to every vehicle at the time of construction. It is also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This 17-character number is indispensable for various reasons and serves as the fingerprint of your car. It’s unique to your vehicle and provides essential information about it.

Importance of Chassis Number

• Identification: The chassis number is crucial for uniquely identifying the vehicle. Each car has a different chassis number, making it easier for authorities and service centres to identify and verify the vehicle.

• Security: It’s essential for security purposes. In case of theft, the chassis number is used to track and identify the stolen vehicle.

• Service and Maintenance: Service centres use the chassis number to retrieve vital details about the car, which assists in providing accurate and model-specific servicing and maintenance.

• Insurance and Legal Processes: The number is also vital when purchasing insurance, transferring ownership, and during legal processes involving the vehicle.

The chassis number is not just a random sequence of characters; each section provides specific details about the vehicle. Typically, it includes information about the manufacturer, the place where it was made, the model year, and the production number. Being aware of the chassis number and understanding how to locate it is crucial for every vehicle owner so that they can perform a car chassis number check easily. 

So, now that you know about its importance, it’s time to answer a pressing question - where is the chassis number on a car!

How To Obtain a Car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number is vital for various legal and maintenance activities related to your vehicle. There are multiple places where you can find the VIN of your car:

1) Registration Certificate

Your car's Registration Certificate (RC) is the primary document where you can find the VIN. The RC, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your area, contains various details about your vehicle, including its chassis number. Whenever you purchase a new car or a second-hand one, ensure to check the RC and verify the chassis number. The number listed on the RC should match the one physically inscribed on your vehicle.

2) Dashboard

Another common place to locate the VIN is on the dashboard of your car. Typically, you can view it on the driver's side, close to the place where the dashboard meets the windshield. When you stand outside the vehicle and peer through the windshield, you should be able to spot the number. The characters are often engraved or printed on a small metal or plastic plate. If it's your first time looking for it, you might need a flashlight as the number might be small and challenging to read, depending on the lighting conditions.

3) Door

Another convenient spot where many manufacturers place the chassis number is on the side door of the vehicle. More specifically, you will find it on the driver's side door or the door jamb. When you open the driver’s door, look at the area where the door latches to the car body - the number is often placed there. The VIN might be displayed on a sticker or a small metal plate, depending on the car's make and model. It’s presented in a manner that is easily readable, but sometimes, due to constant wear and tear, it might fade, so be sure to check carefully.

4) Hood

You can also find the Vehicle Identification Number under the hood of your car. Open the car hood and look around the edges where the hood meets the body of the car. Some manufacturers choose to place the VIN on the front engine block. This spot is ideal as it's protected from most environmental elements that could lead to the fading or erosion of the number. This placement makes it a reliable spot to check if the VIN isn't visible or has been eroded in other areas due to usage and time.

Finding the VIN under the hood might require you to bend and search meticulously since it might not be obviously placed. The number here might also be on a sticker or engraved directly into the metal, depending on your car’s make and model. Always handle the hood carefully to avoid any accidents, especially when the engine is hot.

5) Boot

The boot of your car, also known as the trunk, is another place where you might find the chassis number. Once you open the boot, inspect the area where the boot lid hinges to the car body. In some models, the VIN might be placed under the spare tyre, or it might be stuck to the boot floor. The number could be on a sticker, a metal plate, or engraved directly onto the car body. Ensure to look thoroughly, as sometimes, it might not be immediately visible amongst the other details and labels that are typically found in this area.

6) Rear Wheel

In some vehicles, the chassis number is located near the rear wheel well. Look closely around the inner side of the rear wheel arch, and you might find the VIN there. In certain car models, particularly those with rear-wheel drive, the chassis number may be found near the suspension mounting points or close to where the rear-wheel components are installed. This location may require a bit of bending and searching, so ensure you have adequate lighting to help you spot the number easily.

The chassis number in these areas might be engraved, printed, or stuck on with a sticker. Due to exposure to road debris, dirt, and moisture, sometimes the numbers might wear off or become harder to read. So, you’ll need to check carefully, and you might need to clean the area lightly to reveal the number.

7) Car Dealership

If you’re struggling to locate the chassis number by yourself, the car dealership where you purchased your vehicle can be of great assistance. The dealership has records of all transactions, including details about the vehicles they've sold. They can quickly provide you with the chassis number of your car upon request. To speed up the process, bring along any documentation you received during the purchase of your vehicle, as it can help them locate your records more efficiently. This method is reliable, especially if your car is relatively new or if you've maintained a relationship with the dealership for servicing and maintenance tasks.

8) Insurance Policy Document

Your car’s insurance policy document is another reliable source where you can find the chassis number. When you insure your car, the insurance company records all vital details of the vehicle, including the VIN. Look through your insurance policy's declaration page; you'll usually find the chassis number listed there along with other essential details about your car. If you have an electronic copy of your insurance policy, you can easily search for the term “VIN” or “chassis number” to locate it quickly. If not, a careful look at the document's header or footer sections can also lead you to this crucial information.

9) Front Grille

In certain vehicle models, you may find the VIN located near or on the front grille. This isn’t a very common placement but does exist. When placed here, it is usually attached securely and protected from the elements, making it durable and somewhat easy to locate. If your car has a front grille, gently examine the area, being careful not to exert too much force that might cause any damage. The number here might be engraved, embossed on a metal plate, or even displayed on a secured sticker.

Car: Decode Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number carries significant information about the car itself. A standard VIN in India is 17 characters long and is a unique identifier provided by the car manufacturer. Here’s a quick guide to decoding it:

• First three characters: These are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). The first character represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured, the second character identifies the manufacturer, and the third character indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division.

• Next six characters (4th to 9th): This section, known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), provides specific information about the vehicle such as model, body style, and the series.

• 10th character: This character represents the model year of the vehicle.

• 11th character: This represents the assembly plant of the vehicle.

• Last six characters (12th to 17th): Known as the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), these characters are assigned by the manufacturer and essentially serve as the vehicle’s serial number.

Understanding your vehicle’s VIN can provide you with valuable information about your car’s origin, model, and other specifications. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for more details, as the decoding might slightly vary between different manufacturers. Decoding the VIN can be especially helpful when you are buying a used car, as it allows you to verify the vehicle's details and history, ensuring a secure and informed purchase.

Where Can I Find the Engine Number of My Car?

The engine number of your car is another crucial identifier that you might need for various purposes, such as maintenance, repairs, or legal documentation. This unique number is usually stamped directly onto the engine of your vehicle.

1. Engine

The engine number is typically located on the engine block and is stamped onto the surface. The exact location can vary between different car models and engine types. Usually, it can be found on the side of the engine, near the top. For vehicles with front longitudinal engines, the number might be located on the front. You might need a flashlight to read the engine number if it’s located in a less accessible or darker area. The number itself might be a series of letters and numbers, often around 11 to 17 characters long. If you are having difficulty finding the engine number, consult your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual should guide you to the exact location of the engine number for your specific car model.

1. Registration Certificate

Your car's Registration Certificate (RC) is another dependable document where you can find the engine number. The RC contains all the vital details of your vehicle, including the engine number. The engine number is usually listed clearly and can be easily found on this document. Always ensure that the engine number listed on the RC matches the one stamped on your engine block. This verification is essential, especially when buying a used car, to avoid any discrepancies or issues in the future. Having the correct engine number on your RC is also crucial for legal and verification purposes, helping you avoid any complications or fines during routine checks or inspections by traffic officials.

1. Insurance Policy Document

The car insurance policy document for your vehicle is an authoritative source for various essential details, including the engine number. When you purchase or renew your car insurance, the insurer documents your vehicle's engine number in the policy. Typically, it’s listed under the policy's declaration page, often at the beginning of the document. It may also be listed along with other vehicle information, such as the make, model, VIN, and registration number. If you hold a digital copy of the insurance document, you can effortlessly search for the term "engine number" within the document to locate it quickly.

1. Car Dealership

Car dealerships maintain comprehensive records of every vehicle they sell, and this includes the engine numbers of these vehicles. If you’re unable to locate your engine number or if it’s not clearly visible on your engine block, you can approach the dealership where you bought your car. Ensure to have some proof of ownership and identification with you. If you’ve purchased the vehicle second-hand, the dealership might require additional details or documentation to assist you. The dealership staff can quickly look up their records and provide you with the engine number associated with your vehicle.

1. Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is a valuable resource for all sorts of information related to your car, including where to find the engine number. Though it doesn’t list the engine number itself, the manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams showing where you can find this number on your vehicle’s engine block. Since the location can vary significantly between different car models and manufacturers, your owner’s manual offers the most accurate guidance for your specific vehicle. If you misplaced your manual, many car manufacturers offer digital versions online. Check the official website of your vehicle's brand, where you can download the manual by entering your car’s model and year.

The Importance of Cross Verification When Looking for Your Engine Number

Having access to multiple sources for your engine number is beneficial. You can cross-verify the number obtained from the engine block with that listed on your insurance policy and other documents. This cross-verification ensures the number’s accuracy, providing an additional layer of security and validation for your vehicle's identity. Always ensure that all documentation associated with your car is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any complications or issues in the future. Whether for maintenance, legal, or verification purposes, knowing where to find and how to verify your engine number is crucial for every vehicle owner.

How To Get Your Vehicle Details Online?

With the digitalization of various services, it's possible to access detailed vehicle information online, including engine numbers. In India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) provides a platform called Vahan, which offers a wide range of services related to vehicles.

1. Vahan Services: Access the official Vahan website. Here you can enter your vehicle’s registration number to retrieve various details, including the engine number. Ensure you have your vehicle’s registration number handy. After entering the required details, you may need to complete an OTP verification using your registered mobile number.
2. Mobile Applications: Various mobile apps are available that provide vehicle information by entering the vehicle's registration number. These apps can provide a variety of details, including engine number, chassis number, registration date, and more.
3. Insurance Company’s Website: If you have an account on your car insurance provider's website, you can log in to view and manage your policy details, which typically include the vehicle’s engine number.

Remember to use these services responsibly and only to access information about vehicles you own or are authorized to inquire about, as misuse of this information can be illegal.

Stay Informed and Responsible

Understanding where to find your chassis number and vehicle’s engine number along with how to use them responsibly is crucial. This knowledge is not just necessary for administrative or legal purposes but is also useful for maintenance and repairs. Stay informed and handle your vehicle’s information responsibly to ensure a smooth driving and ownership experience.

FAQs

Q: What does a chassis number serve as its main function?

A unique identification number that offers details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and manufacturer, is the chassis number, sometimes referred to as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For legal, insurance, and registration purposes, it is essential.

Q: Can I check online for the chassis number?

A: Yes, you can use the official Vahan website or a number of mobile applications made specifically for this purpose to access your vehicle's details, including the chassis number.

Q: Is the chassis number and engine number the same?

A: No, the chassis and engine numbers are not the same. The chassis number refers to the vehicle's overall frame and body, whereas the engine number is particular to the engine.

Q: What should I do if the engine block's chassis number is corroded or unreadable?

A: In certain situations, the Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, or the car dealership may have the chassis number available.

Q: Is having the chassis number required for auto insurance?

A: Definitely. Since your vehicle's chassis number is a unique identification, it is essential to have it when applying for auto insurance.

Q: Is it possible to alter the chassis number?

A: No, the vehicle's chassis number is a permanent, unique identifier that cannot be lawfully modified or altered.

Q: Apart from the engine block and documentation, where else can I get the chassis number?

A: The car's dashboard, driver's side door, or under the hood next to the windscreen are typically where you can find the chassis number.

Q: Are two-wheelers assigned a chassis number as well?

A: To aid in identification, every motorised vehicle, including two-wheelers, has a distinct chassis number.

Q: Is it okay to disclose the chassis number of my car?

A: The chassis number should only be shared with allowed parties, such as insurance companies, service centers, or law enforcement agencies, even if it is not as sensitive as other personal information.

Q: What is the average number of digits in a chassis number?

A typical chassis number, often known as a VIN, consists of 17 characters, both letters and numbers.