No Manual? No Problem!

            Often when you buy used vehicle the owner’s manual is nowhere to be found. Or, if you bought your car new, you’ve misplaced the manual somewhere along the way. If this is the case, don’t worry your vehicle has a lot of information attached to it that can often answer your questions.

            The vehicle VIN or “Vehicle Identification Number” is a great place to start. This sequence of numbers is unique to your vehicle. No two vehicles have the same VIN; this number is assigned to one specific vehicle when it is manufactured. This number is used for many different things from insurance policies, accident reports, lien reports, and body or engine work done on your vehicle. Each number used in the VIN has a meaning. The VIN is located in two different places on your vehicle; on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s side door jam. You can also find the VIN on your insurance papers and your bill of sale.

            Every number in the VIN has a meaning:

1-      Represents the nation of origin, for example; a vehicle built in the U.S.A. is 1, 4 or 5. Canada is a 2, Mexico 3, Japan “J”, Korea “K”, England “S”, and Germany “W.”

2-      The second number is the manufacturer, for example; “A” is Audi, “B” is BMW, “L” is Lincoln, and “N” is for Nissan.

3-      This number is for the vehicle type or manufacturing division, for example; 1G1 is for a Chevrolet passenger car, 1G2 is for a Pontiac passenger car, and 1GC is a Chevrolet truck.

4-9 These numbers tell about the model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and                                    engine code.

10- The 10 number is the model year. Letters B-X correspond to the model years starting with X being 2000. Model years starting with 2001 and up are indicated with corresponding numbers starting with 1.

11- This is the manufacturer plant; each auto maker has its own code.

The last 6 – These numbers are the production sequence numbers; this is given to your car on the assembly line.

A lot of these numbers are not really relevant to you but you never know, plus it’s a great way to impress your friends.

        Besides the VIN there is also a “Tire Vehicle Place Card.” This gives you tire and loading information. This will tell you: seating capacity, tire size and dimensions, and tire pressure information.  There are a number of places that this information could be located, depending on your vehicle. Places to look for this are:

-Driver side front or rear door

-Drivers or passenger side pillar (closest to the door hinge or closest to door handle.)

-Passenger front or rear door

-Fuel tank filter door

-Trunk/hatch area

-Glove box

-Center console

-Sun visor

There is also a “Vehicle Compliance Certificate Label” This label will have the weight requirements for your vehicle. This is necessary if you plan to haul or tow anything. This is found on a sticker that is placed somewhere in the drivers sill area. There are several different abbreviations for different types of requirements.

GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum safe weight of your vehicle.

GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight. This is the standard curb weight plus allowance for passengers, luggage, and gas. This is an approximation.

GCW – Gross Combination Weight. This is the actual weight of your vehicle plus the weight of your trailer. This number must not be higher than your vehicles GCWR.

GCWR – Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight of your combined vehicle and trailer. If this weight is exceeded it puts stress on the engine, transmission, and brakes beyond their design limits.

GAW – Gross Axel Weight. This is the weight expected to be placed on your front and rear wheels.

GAWR – Goss Axel Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight that can be placed on your rear and front wheels. If you exceed this weight rating you can create a dangerous driving situation or even damage your vehicle.

          

             Inside the door of your gas tank there is also a label that will tell you what kind of fuel your vehicle requires and what grade of gas is best for your car. Some newer vehicles also have fuel economy labels to tell you MPG.

 

 

            So, if you need information about your vehicle and your manual is nowhere to be found just take a look around your vehicle. The information you need might be right in front of you.

-Muriel Rolufs