Authoritative guides on Vehicle Identification Numbers, car buying, auto insurance, vehicle history reports, manufacturers, and more.
September 4, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
The model year encoded in your VIN directly affects your insurance premium, the vehicle's depreciation curve, and the loan terms a lender wi...
August 28, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
VINs are not just for cars. Motorcycles, trailers, ATVs, and boats have their own VIN rules. Here is how the standard applies to non-car veh...
August 21, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Carfax and AutoCheck are not magic — they query specific databases tied to the VIN. Understanding what they check (and what they miss) makes...
August 14, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
The Monroney sticker on every new car is required by law and contains a wealth of vehicle details. Here is how to read it and verify it agai...
August 7, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Pickup truck VINs encode cab configuration, bed length, and engine type in the VDS. Here is how to decode the most popular trucks on the roa...
July 31, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Japanese automakers use J-prefix WMI codes for Japan-assembled vehicles and domestic codes for their US plants. Here is the full reference f...
July 24, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
The NHTSA vPIC database is the US government's official source for VIN decoding. Here is how it works, what it contains, and why it is the m...
July 17, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Hyundai Motor Group assembles vehicles in South Korea, Alabama, and Georgia. Here is how to decode VINs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
July 10, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Volkswagen Group uses WMI codes starting with WVW for VW and WAU for Audi. Here is how to decode any VW, Audi, Porsche, or SEAT VIN.
July 3, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
NHTSA maintains a free recall database searchable by VIN. Open recalls must be fixed by the dealer at no charge. Here is how to check and wh...
June 26, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
CPO programs have strict VIN-based eligibility requirements. Here is how manufacturers use the VIN to determine CPO qualification and what i...
June 19, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Purchasing a vehicle from out of state adds complexity to title transfer and requires extra VIN diligence. Here is the complete process.