What is a VIN? Is sharing a VIN online safe? Why is a VIN important for finding spare parts and repairs?

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique identifying code of a vehicle. It contains specific information such as when the vehicle was built, the manufacturer, engine size and type, body style, etc. In short, it provides details about a particular vehicle’s features and specifications.

A VIN DOES NOT REVEAL ANY PRIVATE DETAILS ABOUT A CAR’S OWNER SUCH AS ADDRESS OR FINANCE. It has a wide range of uses. For example, when advertising the sale of a used car, we provide its VIN in the ad, to allow prospective buyers to check the history of the vehicle. The VIN of a vehicle can be easily discovered by looking up the vehicle’s number plate on government websites. The following is a link to the QLD government website, where you can easily find details about any car registered in Queensland, using the number on its number plate:

https://www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/checkrego

Car dealers and spare part sellers use VINs to find the correct spare parts. It is just common sense for every reliable seller to ask for a VIN before giving any recommendations about compatibility of spare parts they sell and a vehicle. It is no secret that two cars of the same model, produced at different times, can differ significantly. Parts catalogues work with this code, showing a vehicle’s specific information, drawings and numbers of the parts that apply only to that particular vehicle. Thus, in a majority of cases, only a VIN can help check compatibility and find the correct spare parts.

Sharing your car’s VIN does not jeopardize your privacy and financial information. But, it allows sellers of spare parts like us to find the right part for your car and be 100% sure of our recommendation.