How to check the production date from the frame number

How to check the production date from the frame number

The vehicle frame number (VIN code) is the unique identification number of the vehicle and contains a wealth of information, including the production date. Knowing how to interpret the production date in the frame number is very helpful when buying a second-hand car, repairing the vehicle, or replacing parts. This article will introduce the structure of the frame number in detail and teach you how to extract the production date information from it.

1. Structure of chassis number

The frame number consists of 17 letters and numbers and is divided into three parts: World Manufacturer Identification Number (WMI), Vehicle Description Part (VDS) and Vehicle Indication Part (VIS). Among them, the production date information is usually included in the 10th character.

2. How to determine the production date from the 10th character

The 10th character of the frame number represents the year of production of the vehicle. Different years correspond to different letters or numbers. The following is a comparison table for recent years:

It should be noted that some years may skip certain letters (such as I, O, Q, etc.) to avoid confusion with numbers.

3. Other information related to production date

In addition to the year information in the 10th position, some manufacturers will also mark more detailed production dates in other positions of the frame number, such as:

4. How to verify the authenticity of the vehicle frame number

When interpreting the frame number, you also need to pay attention to verify its authenticity. Here are some simple verification methods:

1. Check whether the length of the frame number is 17 digits;
2. Check whether the 9th digit check code is correct;
3. Compare the production date on the vehicle nameplate with the frame number analysis results;
4. Verify with professional VIN decoding tools.

5. Things to note when interpreting vehicle frame numbers

1. The frame number rules of different manufacturers may be slightly different;
2. The frame number format of some imported vehicles may be different from that of domestic vehicles;
3. The frame number of modified vehicles may require special interpretation;
4. When in doubt, it is recommended to consult professionals or inquire through official channels.

Through the introduction of this article, I believe you have mastered the method of interpreting the production date from the frame number. Next time you're shopping for a used car or need information about a vehicle, try this helpful tip.