ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Vehicle identification number

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a special code that helps us identify a car. It's kind of like a name for the car. Every car has its own VIN number that is unique, just like your name is unique to you. When you buy a car, the VIN number will be listed on some important paperwork, such as the car's title or registration.

The VIN number is made up of 17 letters and numbers. The letters and numbers come in a specific order and each one tells us something special about the car. The first three letters tell us where the car was made, the next five letters and numbers tell us what kind of car it is, and the last nine letters and numbers are unique to that specific car.

So, if we want to find out some information about a car, we can look up its VIN number. We can see where the car was made, what kind of engine it has, and even if it has been in any accidents before. It's like looking up a person's background check!

Overall, the VIN number is very important because it helps us identify a car and learn important information about it.