How to Read a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies a vehicle. Every EPC parts lookup starts with it, because the VIN encodes the exact build the factory shipped — down to engine and equipment.
The three parts of a VIN
The 17 characters split into three blocks:
- WMI (1–3): World Manufacturer Identifier — who built it and where
- VDS (4–9): Vehicle Descriptor Section — model, body, engine, restraint system
- VIS (10–17): Vehicle Identifier Section — model year, plant and serial number
Why you should never guess
Two cars that look identical can carry different part numbers because of a mid-year change, a different engine code, or a market-specific component. Typing the VIN into an EPC resolves all of that automatically — there is no reliable way to do it by eye.
Where to find the VIN
The VIN appears on the dashboard at the base of the windscreen, on the driver-side door jamb, in the service book, and on registration documents. Many EPCs also accept the frame/chassis number where a region uses one.