Knowing the chassis number of a vehicle is as essential as checking its specifications before making a decision to buy it. Often, individuals use the vehicle’s chassis number and VIN interchangeably. However, these two are not exactly the same.
A VIN number includes the chassis number of a vehicle and is as important as the chassis and engine number. Since these numbers are absolutely essential for a vehicle as they contain all the manufacturing-related information, knowing them and what they mean is imperative.
So, let’s learn more about the chassis number and VIN details of a vehicle in India through this blog!
What is the Chassis Number?
The chassis number means an alphanumeric number unique to every vehicle. Individuals can find the chassis number in the VIN of a vehicle. Precisely, it is the last 6 digits of a VIN. A chassis number is a reliable way to check a vehicle’s history, make, model and legal status in India. This number is stamped on a vehicle’s chassis, deriving its name — chassis number.
Note that chassis number is available for all types of vehicles, personal and commercial.
Where to Find the VIN Number of Your Vehicle?
To find the chassis number, individuals need to know the VIN first. The VIN is a globally accepted standardised measure to identify motor vehicles of all kinds. But how to know the VIN number? There are several ways to check this number; listed below are some of them:
- Registration Certificate
Registering any vehicle to the local RTO is mandatory. While doing so, RTO follows a standard process which includes printing VIN or chassis number on the registration certificate. Since individuals carry registration certificates with them all the time, they can check car VIN numbers whenever they want.
- Insurance Policy
In India, it is mandatory to have insurance for your vehicle to avoid any legal obligations and make the vehicle legal on the road. As an owner, your vehicle needs third-party insurance that financially protects you in case of any third-party damage. While the documents of your vehicle’s insurance policy contain several details, it also includes the VIN and chassis number of the same.
Even if you have a digital insurance plan, you can check your VIN number by opening the insurance policy online.
- Dashboard
Several manufacturers provide VINs containing chassis numbers on the dashboard on the driver’s side. However, it is available for cars and only in a few ones.
- Door
The VIN number or chassis number is also often seen on a car’s B pillar metal strip. Whenever the driver opens the side door, one can see the number.
- Rear Wheel
Although it is a little tricky to locate, selected manufacturers print VIN above the rear wheel. Besides, the boot and hood of a vehicle often contain VIN. You can also visit your dealer in case you have difficulty finding the VIN.
Components of a VIN Number or Chassis Number
Knowing the components of a VIN enables individuals to decode it without any confusion. VIN consists of a total of 17 characters, each of them carrying a different meaning.
- WMI or World Manufacturer Identifier
- VDS or Vehicle Description Section
- Vehicle’s serial number
- The remaining characters indicate vehicle type, engine type, vehicle version, design sequence, plant code, manufacturing year, etc.
The following details will help you understand the meaning of the chassis number.
- First 3 characters
The first three characters of VIN are WMI. These three denote the country of the vehicle’s manufacturing, its type, etc. The first character of a VIN represents the manufacturer’s country. For instance, the vehicles manufactured in India usually start with ME, MA, MZ, etc.
- Fourth-ninth characters
These represent the VDS of a vehicle. Usually, these contain engine types, security codes, models, manufacturing months, platforms, etc.
- Tenth-eleventh characters
These characters of a VIN denote a vehicle’s manufacturing year and manufacturing plant.
- Twelfth-seventeenth characters
The last 6 characters indicate a vehicle’s serial number.
Now that you know what is a VIN number, you must know where to find it on a two-wheeler.
How to Know the Chassis Number of Bikes?
Individuals can find the chassis number of two-wheelers in the following ways:
- The handle or engine of a bike often has a chassis number printed.
- For scooters, a chassis number is seen in the glove box, near the scooter’s centre frame or stand or under its dashboard.
- The registration certificate of the two-wheeler.
- Insurance policy of the bikes.
In case of difficulty, you can also refer to the owner’s manual to spot the chassis, VIN and engine numbers.
Final words:
Irrespective of whether it is an old or new car or a motorcycle, a VIN check is a must before your vehicle hits the road. Likewise, knowing a vehicle’s engine and chassis numbers also determines its originality. It protects you from fraud dealers or other consequences of not having a clear VIN number.
