## How to Find Out What Engine Your Car Has
Knowing what engine your car has is important for a number of reasons. It can help you determine the car’s performance capabilities, fuel efficiency, and maintenance requirements. It can also be helpful when troubleshooting problems or ordering parts.
### 1. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a unique 17-character code that is assigned to every car manufactured. It contains a wealth of information about the car, including the engine type. You can find the VIN on the driver’s side door jamb, on the dashboard, or in the vehicle registration paperwork.
The VIN is divided into several sections. The first section, known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), identifies the manufacturer and the country where the car was assembled. The second section, known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), provides information about the car’s body style, engine type, and other features.
To find the engine type from the VIN, locate the eighth character in the VDS. This character will correspond to the engine type. For example, a character of “E” would indicate a 4-cylinder engine, while a character of “V” would indicate a V8 engine.
### 2. Look Under the Hood
If you don’t have access to the VIN, you can also try to identify the engine type by looking under the hood. The engine is typically located at the front of the car, and it is usually covered by a plastic or metal cover.
Remove the cover and look for a metal tag on the engine block. The tag will usually have the engine type stamped on it. If you can’t find the tag, you can try to identify the engine type by its appearance.
### 3. Check the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual will also contain information about the engine type. Look for a section on specifications or technical data. The engine type will usually be listed there.
### 4. Contact the Manufacturer
If you can’t find the engine type using any of the above methods, you can contact the manufacturer. They will be able to provide you with the engine type based on the VIN or other information about the car.
### 5. Use an Online VIN Decoder
There are a number of online VIN decoders that can provide you with information about the engine type. Simply enter the VIN into the decoder, and it will provide you with a list of specifications, including the engine type.
### Conclusion
Knowing what engine your car has is important for a number of reasons. It can help you determine the car’s performance capabilities, fuel efficiency, and maintenance requirements. It can also be helpful when troubleshooting problems or ordering parts.
There are a number of ways to find out what engine your car has. The easiest way is to check the VIN. You can also look under the hood for a metal tag on the engine block. If you can’t find the tag, you can check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
