What is VIN and why we ask for your VIN (fitment guarantee)
Get the right part the first time. Learn what a VIN is, where to find it, and how sharing yours lets us verify exact fitment—and back it with our Fitment Guarantee.
Ordering car parts should be simple and stress-free. The best way to make sure the part you buy fits perfectly is to share your vehicle’s VIN. At Tasman Parts, we use your VIN to verify the exact part number your car was built with—so you get the right part the first time.
What is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It’s a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle at the factory. A VIN uses letters and numbers (it never uses I, O, or Q) and stays with the vehicle for life.
How a VIN is structured
- WMI (1–3): World Manufacturer Identifier – region & manufacturer.
- VDS (4–9): Vehicle Descriptor – model, body, engine, restraints (9th is a check digit).
- VIS (10–17): Vehicle Identifier – model year (10th), plant, serial number.
Why we ask for your VIN
- Fitment Guarantee: We check your VIN against OEM data to confirm compatibility. If a part we supply doesn’t fit the VIN you provided, we’ll exchange or refund according to our policy.
- No surprises: Mid-year changes, trim levels, sensor packages, brake sizes and engine codes can all vary—even within the same model. VIN matching catches these hidden differences.
- Best options: Your VIN helps us recommend the right OEM or quality aftermarket alternatives, with the best price and lead time.
- Less downtime: Fewer returns and reorders means you finish the job faster.
Our Fitment Guarantee: Provide your VIN at checkout or before purchase and we’ll verify the part number. If it doesn’t fit the verified VIN, we’ll make it right under our Warranty & Returns policy.
Where to find your VIN
| Location | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Windscreen (driver side) | Small plate visible through the lower corner of the glass. |
| Driver door jamb | Sticker/plate on the pillar when you open the door. |
| Engine bay | Stamped on the firewall or a metal plate. |
| Registration/compliance docs | VIN printed on your registration or inspection paperwork. |
How we use and protect your VIN
- Purpose-limited: We use your VIN only to identify the exact parts for your vehicle.
- Minimal retention: We store it securely with your order. Ask us anytime if you want it removed from your account notes after fulfilment.
- Confidential: We don’t share your VIN with third parties for marketing or credit checks.
What if I don’t have my VIN handy?
- NZ plate/rego: If you provide your number plate, we can often fetch the VIN for NZ-registered vehicles.
- Photos help: A photo of the windscreen VIN plate or door-jamb sticker works great.
- Backup info: Build month/year, engine size, transmission and drivetrain can narrow it down—though the Fitment Guarantee applies once we confirm with a VIN.
How to send your VIN
- Add the VIN in the order notes at checkout.
- Reply to your order confirmation with the VIN.
- Message our team via live chat or email info@tasmanparts.co.nz.
FAQs
Is a VIN the same as a chassis number?
Yes in most cases. Some older imports list a shorter “chassis code,” but for VIN verification and our Fitment Guarantee we need the full 17-character VIN where available.
Why do some shops ask for the last 8 digits?
Many OEM systems can identify a vehicle with the last 8, but the full 17 characters are the most reliable—especially when there are mid-year changes.
Do universal parts need a VIN?
Not always. Universal items (e.g., fluids, tools, some accessories) don’t require VIN matching. For anything vehicle-specific, we recommend providing your VIN.
Order with confidence
Share your VIN and we’ll take care of the rest—so you can install with confidence and get back on the road faster.
