Author: Paint for Life

Knowing your vehicle’s specific paint code is vital for matching the original colour when undertaking touch-ups or full repaints. This instruction from Paint for Life will teach you how to find your vehicle’s paint code using its VIN number.

What is a VIN Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code provided to each motor vehicle when it is constructed. This number acts as a fingerprint for your vehicle, revealing information about its make, model, year, and location of manufacturing. While the VIN does not directly carry the paint code, it can be utilized to locate it via manufacturer databases and other sites.

Your vehicle’s VIN can be located in a variety of areas, including:

1. Dashboard: Visible from the driver’s seat through the windshield.
2. Driver’s Door: Located on the interior of the driver’s side door frame.
3. Engine Block:Often stamped onto the engine.
4. Vehicle documents: such as the registration, insurance paperwork, and owner’s manual.

Steps to Find Your Paint Code Using the VIN Number

Step 1: Find your VIN number.

Your VIN can be located in a variety of places on your car, including:

1. Dashboard: On the driver’s side, visible via the windshield.
2. Driver’s Door: On the interior of the driver’s side door frame.
3. Engine Block: Often stamped on the engine.
4. Vehicle Documents: Such as the registration, insurance documents, or owner’s manual. Step 2: Note Down the VIN Number

Make sure to write down the VIN exactly as it appears, as even a single incorrect character can lead to errors.

Step 3: Use Online Tools and Databases

There are several online resources where you can input your VIN to retrieve detailed information about your vehicle, including the paint code. Some reliable websites include:

• Manufacturer’s Website:Many car manufacturers provide online tools to find vehicle details using the VIN.

Step 4: Contact the Manufacturer or Dealer

If online tools don’t yield results, contacting the vehicle manufacturer or an authorized dealer can help. Provide them with your VIN, and they should be able to provide the paint code.

Step 5: Check the Service Manual or Owner’s Manual

Some vehicle service manuals or owner’s manuals may also list the paint code. Refer to the section related to vehicle identification.