The chassis number is made up of the last six digits of your car's VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number), so you need to look up the VIN number to find out your chassis number. On cars and motorcycles, the number can be in different places, so where to look will depend on the vehicle. The engine number can be found on the engine block of your car or motorcycle. Quickly read the tips in this article if you need the VIN number or the engine number of your vehicle.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Finding a car's VIN number
Step 1. View your papers
If you don't have the car to hand, or if you don't feel like going to the car, check your paperwork for the VIN number. View the following documents:
- ascription
- registration certificate
- instructions
- insurance papers
- garage invoices
- police reports
- documents of the National Car Pass
Step 2. Search your dashboard
The easiest place to find your VIN number is on the left corner of your dashboard. You should be able to read the number through the windshield, on the side where the steering wheel is located.
Step #3. Look inside the driver's door
The VIN number can also sometimes be found in the jamb of the driver's door. Open the door and look for a small white sticker with the number on it.
- If your VIN is in the jamb, it's just below your side mirror.
- The VIN number is sometimes also on the other side of the door jamb, where the driver's seat belt is fastened.
Step 4. Open your hood
If you can't find the VIN number, open your hood and search the front of the engine. The VIN number is sometimes stated on the front of the engine block.
Step 5. Examine the bodywork
Sometimes the VIN number can be found on the front of the body, near the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Walk to the front of your car, open the hood, look for your windshield washer fluid, close the hood, then view the body of your vehicle in this area.
Step 6. Lift your spare tire
If you have a spare wheel in your trunk, you may find the VIN number below. Open your trunk, remove the spare wheel and look in the recess of the spare wheel. Sometimes a VIN number is listed here.
Step 7. Look in the wheel arch
Another place where VIN numbers can often be found is in the wheel arch of your right rear wheel. Go to this wheel arch, squat down and look up into the wheel arch. Check both sides for the VIN number.
Use a flashlight to find the VIN number in a wheel arch
Step 8. Write down the number
After you find the VIN number, you can write it down and keep it in a handy place so you can easily find it when you need it again. Keep it on a piece of paper in a folder, save it to your computer, or email it to yourself.
Step 9. Determine the chassis number
The chassis number is formed by the last six digits of the VIN number. Look at the VIN number you wrote down and circle the last six digits. That is your chassis number.
Method 2 of 3: Finding the VIN number of a motorcycle, scooter or quad bike
Step 1. Locate the VIN number by the steering column
On a motorcycle you can usually find the VIN number near the steering column. You can find the VIN number by turning your handlebars to one side and looking at the steering column, which is the metal cylinder that runs down from the handlebars. The VIN number is engraved in the metal.
Look at both sides of the steering column to find the number
Step 2. Examine the engine block
On motorcycles, the VIN number can sometimes be found on the engine block. So if you can't find it on the steering column you can search on the block. The number is then at the bottom of the cylinders of the engine block.
Step 3. Inspect the frame
Quads and some motorcycles have the number engraved on the frame, but it's not always easy to see. You will have to search with a flashlight to find the VIN number on the inside of the frame.
- Check the outside of the frame first. The number may be located under the shifter pedal on the left side of your motorcycle. If you can't find it on the outside of the frame, continue with the inside of the frame.
- Different manufacturers use different spots for the VIN number. For example, Honda puts the number on the right side of the steering column, and also on the frame just above the engine on the left. If necessary, ask the dealer where to look.
Step 4. Remember it's the last six digits
The chassis number of your motorcycle is formed by the last six digits of the VIN number. Put a circle around the last six digits to determine the chassis number.
Method 3 of 3: Finding the engine number
Step 1. Examine the engine block
The engine number of your engine can be found on the engine itself. Open your hood or, in the case of a motorcycle, examine the side of your engine. The engine number is clearly indicated on a sticker.
Step 2. Look in the user manual
If you can't find a sticker with the engine number, look in the owner's manual to find the code. You'll find it on the first few pages of the booklet.
You may also find in the manual where to look for the engine number on the engine block
Step 3. Determine the engine number
The engine number consists of six characters, followed by the three-character engine code. The six-character engine number is preceded by a three-character code. These first three characters are the engine code of your vehicle, the last six characters are the engine number.