The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
Driving is something many of us take for granted, especially if we're clocking the kilometres on a regular basis. Whether it's the daily work commute or the school run, a number of factors can add up to additional maintenance for your vehicle.
While we all have mandatory services to keep up to date, especially if your vehicle is under warranty, it's important to keep your car in good condition to minimise wear and tear on the road.
Additional trips to your mechanic could be avoided for those in the know. Here we have two tips to keep you on the road and look after your car.
Many of your potential motoring woes can be avoided at the time of your vehicle's purchase by properly doing your homework. With a Car History report, you can find out what you need to know so you can make an informed decision, including any previous insurance claims, sale information, safety and emission ratings and whether there's any chance of odometer rollback.
While a used car dealership should have most of this information readily available to you, private sellers may not have the same data on hand, leaving you with only a vague idea of what lies beneath the bonnet. Make your decision easier by sending us the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your new ride, so we can do your research for you.
Maintaining the correct air pressure for your tyres is important not only in terms of performance and safety, but also for the economic benefits you stand to gain in terms of fuel consumption. According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority of New Zealand, underinflated tyres could be costing you an extra 8 cents per litre of fuel each time you drive.
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle can usually be found on the inside of the car door, or in your car owner's manual. When tyres are correctly inflated, it means that they take longer to wear out, saving you from needing to replace them too often.
Tyres are thought to lose 1-2 psi of air each month, so it's important to check tyre pressure regularly to ensure your tyres aren't too low and haven't been a punctured.
The National Roads and Motorists Association notes that correct tyre pressure equates to improved handling and efficiency, as well as possibly preventing accidents on the road.