Understanding Your VIN To Better Select an Oil Filter

Many drivers never realize it, but a vehicle’s VIN is more than just a unique serial number. It’s actually a code that tells you almost everything you need to know about a car’s background to properly service it. When you understand what your VIN means, it is a lot easier to make sure you’re buying the right parts.

Utilizing the VIN Decoder

Using an online VIN lookup tool can tell you a lot about your vehicle, but it also helps if you can decode the VIN for yourself. In a pinch, it can tell you important information like which engine size your vehicle has in a model with multiple options every model year.

• The first three digits from the left are the World Manufacturer Identifier. Country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type are each encoded in a digit, in that order
• The block of digits running from fourth to eighth place is the vehicle descriptor, which codes information like the trim package, engine and transmission options, and restraint types
• Digit number nine is a check digit used to make sure the number is real when you enter it into automatic systems
• The final block of digits is the vehicle identifier, with the model year and plant of origin in the first two spots, and the rest are numbers assigned to the vehicle on the production line

As you can see, understanding which digits tell you which pieces of information is easy, but you still need a reference to understand what the number or letter in eat place means. What letter signifies a car made in 1999? In the age of the internet, finding an automatic VIN decoder online is at least as fast as checking the answer to that question. Either way, once you have that information, you can put it to use.

Obtaining the Correct Oil Filter

Oil filters are designed to work with a specific range of engine sizes, so it’s easiest to use an oil filter lookup that asks you for either the VIN or for basic information about your vehicle, depending on which one you use. Either way, it’s information you can get from the VIN now that you understand how to do it. In the event that is not an option, you can also check the product descriptions to see what engine sizes and can manufacturers the filter is designed to work with, but that should not be necessary.

Once you understand the filter choices that fit your car, it’s just a matter of deciding which one you want. It’s as simple as that.

Other Important Uses for VIN Lookup Tools

If you have a vehicle maintenance manual that covers multiple vehicle trim types or model years, your VIN can help you pick the right repair procedures when you do them for yourself. Using the information from your VIN, you can be sure you have the vehicle wiring diagrams that correspond to your option package, alternator model, engine size, and other important vehicle features.

Your VIN is an important tool for anyone looking to build up a good base of automotive maintenance and repair skills. Try out a decoder today to learn more about your vehicle.