A Guide to the VIN

Likely having had your windshield replaced before, there are probably terms you’ve heard auto glass techs use. Perhaps you’ve even been asked for the VIN on your windshield or piece of glass. We’re guessing you have and that you have no idea where to find it or even what a VIN is.

That’s perfectly fine. You are not expected to know everything about your car. VIN simply means Vehicle Identification Number and just about every auto part has one.

However, if you say VIN number, we won’t be confused, but you’re essentially saying vehicle identification number…number.

Typically, on a windshield, the VIN is located on the bottom of the driver’s side of the windshield. It may be underneath a windshield wiper blade, but it should be visible without having to take anything apart.

This long strand of numbers and letters allows us to purchase the exact part match for your vehicle. This is no guess & check business; we do exact matches only!

Each number/letter or collection in the VIN indicates something specific for glass manufacturers and replacement shops alike.

What each character in the VIN means

1^st character indicates the country of manufacture.

2^nd & 3^rd are a code for the manufacturer.

2^nd, 3^rd, & 8^th can indicate if you have a “flex-fuel” vehicle

4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th give the make, model, and engine specifics of the vehicle

9^th gives the authorization security code designated by the manufacturer

10^th is the year of the vehicle

11^th is the manufacturing plant

12^th through 17^th is a unique serial number for the vehicle

You might be thinking, do I really need to remember what all 17 VIN represent? No, absolutely not, that would be a little ridiculous. We can barely remember our social security number as it is!

All you must remember is where to look! That is the VIN is normally on the driver side of the windshield near the bottom. We can decipher the code from there.

We hope you learned something new and happy adventures!

Reminder:

We provide windshield repair and replacement service to most of Yavapai County including the greater Prescott & Prescott Valley area as well as the Verde Valley, Sedona, and much more! More questions? Give us a call, we’re happy to help!

For More Information on Windshield Replacement, click here.

Questions? Give us a call or message us on Facebook!