How to Find Your Car's Engine Number, Chassis Number and VIN

Navigating the world of vehicles can be a complex yet exciting experience, especially when it comes to understanding the intricate details of your ride. In this blog, we’ll uncover the mysteries of your vehicle's identity, specifically, the whereabouts of its engine and chassis numbers. These unique identifiers, akin to a vehicle's fingerprints, hold valuable information about your car.

Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or a beginner, this blog will empower you to confidently understand the meaning of these numbers associated with your vehicle. 

What is an Engine Number?

As the name suggests, the engine number is a unique identification number assigned to the engine of each vehicle. It is typically stamped or engraved on the engine block and is used to identify the engine for manufacturing, warranty, and registration purposes. This identification number is also used to track the production history of an engine and can also help identify stolen vehicles or engines.

In India, the engine number is part of the vehicle's registration certificate and must be matched when selling or transferring ownership of a vehicle. It is also important to have the engine number readily available when making insurance claims or seeking service for the vehicle.

The engine number typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers and may vary in format depending on the vehicle manufacturer. However, the general structure of an engine number typically includes the manufacturer code, the engine model, the serial number, the year of manufacture, and the assembly plant code (if applicable).

Also Read : Why Should You Do A VIN Number/Vahan Check Before You Sell Your Car?

What is a Chassis Number?

A chassis number, also known as a vehicle identification number (VIN), is a unique alpha-numeric code assigned to each motor vehicle. It is the equivalent of a vehicle's fingerprint, providing essential information about its manufacturer, model, specifications, and production history.

The chassis number is typically found embossed on the vehicle's frame or chassis, often near the dashboard on the driver's side. It can also be found on the vehicle's registration certificate and insurance documents. This mandatory car identifier is used by automobile manufacturers to track the production history of each vehicle, including its components, specifications, and assembly details. They also use this number to identify and notify vehicle owners of potential safety defects or recalls. 

The VIN is also used to link vehicle history records, including repair records, accident reports, and ownership information. In addition to this, the chassis number is crucial for law enforcement agencies to identify stolen vehicles and for insurance companies to track vehicle ownership and claims.

In addition to the above, the chassis number is essential for ordering the correct spare parts and components for a specific vehicle.

Also Read : Understanding Car Chassis: Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Why are the Engine and Chassis Numbers Important?

Engine and chassis numbers are unique identifiers assigned to each vehicle and play a crucial role in various aspects of vehicle ownership and management. Let's take a closer look at how these numbers are significant:

Vehicle Identification

• Engine and chassis numbers serve as the vehicle's primary identification numbers, enabling the distinction of one vehicle from another
• These numbers are often used by law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and automobile manufacturers to track and verify individual vehicles

Theft Prevention and Recovery

• In the unfortunate event of vehicle theft, engine and chassis numbers become invaluable tools for recovery
• These numbers are recorded in police databases and vehicle registration documents, allowing law enforcement to identify and recover stolen vehicles more effectively

Vehicle Ownership

• Engine and chassis numbers are essential for establishing vehicle ownership
• These numbers are referenced in various documents, such as the vehicle registration certificate, insurance papers, and service records, providing a comprehensive record of the vehicle's ownership

Spare Parts and Maintenance

• When ordering spare parts or scheduling maintenance, engine and chassis numbers are crucial for ensuring the correct components are procured and the appropriate service procedures are followed
• These numbers provide technicians with specific information about the vehicle's model, year of manufacture, and unique specifications

Vehicle Authentication and Valuation

• Engine and chassis numbers play an important role in authenticating a vehicle and determining its value
• When buying or selling a used vehicle, verifying the authenticity of these numbers and ensuring they match the vehicle's documentation is essential to prevent fraud and ensure a fair market price

Also Read : How to Check the Accident History of a Vehicle in India

How to Locate Your Vehicle's Engine Number?

Here are some of the ways in which you can locate your vehicle's engine number:

Under the Hood

• The most common location for the engine number is under the hood, typically on the engine block or near the cylinder head
• Look for a stamped or engraved metal plate with a series of numbers and letters

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate

• The engine number may also be included on the VIN plate, which is usually located on the driver's side dashboard or door pillar

Vehicle Registration Documents

• The engine number is usually listed on your vehicle's registration certificate or title

How to Locate Your Vehicle's Chassis Number?

Here are some of the ways in which you can locate the chassis number of your vehicle: 

Under the Hood

• The chassis number is often found under the hood, either on the firewall or near the engine compartment
• It may be embossed on the metal frame or attached to a metal plate

Driver's Side Door Pillar

• The chassis number may also be found on the driver's side door pillar, near the door hinges, on a metal plate, or on a sticker

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate

• The chassis number is always included on the VIN plate, which is usually located on the driver's side dashboard or door pillar

Vehicle Registration Documents

• The chassis number is usually listed on your vehicle's registration certificate

How to Read and Understand the Engine and Chassis Numbers?

Engine and chassis numbers are unique identifiers assigned to each vehicle, serving as important tools for vehicle identification, registration, and tracking. These numbers provide valuable information about the vehicle's history, specifications, and manufacturing details.

Both the engine and chassis numbers consist of a sequence of alpha-numeric characters that hold specific meanings. The engine number, typically between 11-17 characters, stamped on the engine block, is a shorter code compared to the chassis number, which is typically 17 characters long. 

Example of an Engine Number: MA123456789

• The characters MA are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) 
• The number 12 is the manufacturer code (specific to the manufacturer)
• The numbers 3456789 represent the Serial number

Example of a Chassis Number: MBHCB23E92J123456

• The characters MBHCB are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
• The number 23 is the vehicle type code, specific to the vehicle model
• The sequence E92 usually represents the model year code
• The alphabet J is the plant code, specific to the manufacturing plant
• The sequence 123456 often represents the serial number

Discrepancies between the engine and chassis numbers on the vehicle and those recorded in official documents indicate potential issues, such as tampering, forgery, or a stolen vehicle. When purchasing a used vehicle, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of these numbers to ensure a legitimate transaction.

How To Get Your Vehicle Details Online?

Using the VAHAN Portal

To get vehicle owner details by registration number using the VAHAN portal, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Go to the VAHAN website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/nrservices/faces/user/citizen/citizenlogin.xhtml
   
2. Create an account using your mobile number
3. Click on the “Know Your Vehicle Details” button
4. Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search bar
5. Click on the “Search” button
6. The vehicle owner's details will be displayed on the screen

Via SMS/Text Message

You can also get vehicle registration information via SMS/text message. To do this, you need to follow these steps:

1. Send an SMS to the following number: 7738299899
2. Make sure that the format of the SMS is as follows: VAHAN <space> Vehicle Registration Number
3. For example, to get the vehicle registration information for a vehicle with the registration number MH01AB1234, you would send the following SMS: VAHAN MH01AB1234
4. The vehicle registration information will be sent back to you in an SMS

How to Use the Engine and Chassis Numbers to Identify Your Vehicle?

The engine and chassis numbers are integral components of vehicle identification, ensuring that each vehicle can be uniquely identified and tracked throughout its lifespan. These numbers are essential for maintaining vehicle records, preventing theft, and enforcing emission regulations.

Let's take a look at how you can use these numbers to identify your vehicle:

• By comparing the engine and chassis numbers to the vehicle's registration documents, you can verify that the engine and chassis match the original components installed by the manufacturer
• A matching engine and chassis number indicates that the vehicle has not been involved in any significant accidents or repairs that may have compromised the integrity of these crucial components.
• Apart from vehicle identification, the engine and chassis numbers can be used to trace the ownership history of a vehicle, which is crucial for insurance purposes, accident investigations, and resolving ownership disputes
• These numbers play a role in anti-theft measures, as they can be used to identify stolen vehicles and recover them

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, understanding the engine number, chassis number, and VIN is like having a cheat code to uncover the unique story of your vehicle. These numbers are not just a haphazard combination of alphabets and digits; they are the marker of your vehicle's identity and history.

By comparing the engine and chassis numbers with your registration documents, you ensure a secure match, guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of your vehicle. So, armed with this knowledge, drive confidently, knowing you've cracked the code to your vehicle's past, present, and the adventures that lie ahead!

FAQs

Q. Is VIN and engine number the same?

No, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the engine number are not the same. The VIN is a unique code that includes information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, and production details, while the engine number specifically identifies the engine itself, often indicating the manufacturer code, model, serial number, and more.

Q. Can I check the engine number online?

Yes, you can check certain vehicle details online, including the engine number, using the VAHAN portal. By visiting the VAHAN website, creating an account, and entering the vehicle's registration number, you can access information such as the engine number, chassis number, and owner details. Additionally, you can receive vehicle registration information via SMS by sending a specific format to the provided number.