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Chevrolet VIN Decoder

Free Chevrolet VIN Decoder to check car history and specifications.

What is a Chevrolet VIN number decoder?

Chevrolet VIN number decoder is a tool that checks and decodes any Chevrolet 17-character VIN number. The meaning of “decoding” is checking each character to learn the information they represent. This information can be the vehicle’s make, model, body type, and more. You could decode a VIN number manually, but using our free VIN decoder is much quicker and easier.

How to use the Chevrolet VIN decoder to do a Chevrolet VIN number lookup?

Once you have a Chevrolet VIN number that’s usually can be found on the dashboard or the registration documents, you can decode it:

  • Go to the carVertical Chevrolet VIN decoder page;
  • Enter the 17-character VIN where it says “Enter VIN number”;
  • Click the “Decode VIN” button.

The information about the vehicle will be displayed immediately. Moreover, you’ll also see an option to get a full history report, which reveals mileage, damage records, and even older car photos.

Chevrolet VIN number meaning

The Chevrolet VIN number is a unique 17-digit code that identifies every single Chevy made after the 1980s. Since the creation of the automobile, manufacturers have had various ways to identify a vehicle, including separate chassis or engine numbers.

However, the introduction of the standardized Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) resulted in benefits in reducing crime and identifying vehicles for other purposes.

Unlike the registration number displayed on a car’s license plate, a Chevrolet VIN number cannot be changed or swapped. Once issued to a vehicle on a production line and stamped into the chassis or Chevrolet VIN number plate, it is permanently attached to that vehicle.

How to read a Chevrolet VIN number

The body number of each Chevrolet vehicle is made up of 17 alphanumeric characters. Although each Chevy VIN number comprises a variety of information, each body number has a consistent structure that hasn’t changed since the 1980s.

VIN number breakdown example
VIN number breakdown

Section 1: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first portion of characters, which comprises three digits, is the WMI. The first digit specifies the nation of origin of a Chevrolet car, which might range from "1" (the United States) to "Z" (Italy). The second character represents the brand.

Section 2: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

It contains the general characteristics of a Chevrolet vehicle. This Chevy VIN number section must be six characters long. If the manufacturer does not utilize one or more of these character spaces, the spaces must be filled with the manufacturer’s choice of alphabetical or numeric characters. The manufacturer determines the coding and order of this section.

Section 3: Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)

This is the final portion of the Chevrolet Vehicle Identification Number, and it must have eight characters, four of which must be numeric. Suppose the manufacturer wants to encode the year and factory in the VIS. In that case, the year should be specified by the first character of the VIS, and the manufacturing plant by the second character.

Chevrolet VIN number locations

Chevrolet VIN number location on a car
Chevrolet VIN number locations

Reviewing the car’s documentation will easily reveal the VIN number of any Chevrolet vehicle. For example, registration documents or an insurance certificate should have this info. Also, look for the VIN number in the following locations on the car:

  • Front of the engine block;
  • On the dashboard on the driver’s side (look from outside);
  • Wheel well in the back. Look up, directly above the tire;
  • The inside of the driver’s side door frame. Open the door and look around it, where the side-view mirror would be if the door was closed;
  • The driver’s side doorpost. Open the door and look near the latching point, not far from the seatbelt return;
  • Below the spare tire.

If you still can’t find your Chevy VIN number, consult your owner’s manual. While the VIN number is unlikely to be recorded in the manual, it will undoubtedly point you in the right direction.

What Chevrolet models work with our free VIN decoder?

Our free Chevrolet VIN number decoder can decipher practically all modern models. This includes Chevrolet Spark, Trax, Trailblazer, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado and Silverado.

The free Chevrolet VIN decoder also works on older, sportier, and electrified cars, such as Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, Bolt, Blazer, and Chevrolet Equinox. These are just some examples.

Decoding Chevy VIN numbers: what can you learn with the Chevrolet VIN number?

"Genuine mileage, one owner, and exceptional condition." Every car buyer has heard those words from a salesperson, yet they’re not always true. You may defy the odds with a Chevrolet vehicle history report.

Using a free Chevrolet VIN number decoder, in just a few seconds, you may learn new information about any Chevy vehicle or double-check facts you already know. This may include:

  • The actual mileage of the car;
  • Whether or not the vehicle was stolen;
  • How many owners the car in question has had;
  • Whether the car was owned by a taxi company or a car rental service;
  • Whether the car has been in an accident.

When you buy a new car, you can rely on the warranty to solve any problems, but what about used Chevrolet models? After all, it rarely comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Chevrolet cars, like most vehicles, require careful maintenance to avoid the most severe breakdowns. So, who can guarantee that the used Chevrolet Silverado or Blazer you’re interested in has been well looked after? Do you want to take the seller’s word for it? Learn the truth with carVertical free Chevrolet VIN decoder!

Frequently Asked Questions

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