They want my vin number
02-13-2012, 02:12 PM
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tooele, Utah
Posts: 667
They want my vin number
A parts company that I am ordering replacement ebrake stuff wants my vin number should I give it to them and why do they need it?
02-13-2012, 02:33 PM
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: WA
Posts: 1,514
they can use the vin number to identify your exact vehicle to pull up parts easier I am sure.
if you aren't comfortable with that, then you can use other means to identify the parts. you know anyone can walk up to your car and read the vin number though, right?
02-13-2012, 02:33 PM
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,498
They want it as they can narrow down more exactly which options your car has. There is no harm in giving it. It's not like a SSN number...
02-13-2012, 04:28 PM
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,491
I wouldn't worry. VIN is easily accessable anyway.
02-13-2012, 04:47 PM
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 624
yeah a vin aint like your social security number dude.
02-13-2012, 04:47 PM
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 917
It does seem a little weird tho, I have never had to give a VIN # to get parts.
02-13-2012, 05:05 PM
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,498
I have a couple times when getting stuff from local Ford dealership. Not often, but couple times.
02-13-2012, 05:25 PM
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
Posts: 16,182
If it's from carparts.com, you can check-off that you deny providing the VIN.
02-13-2012, 07:47 PM
S197 Section Modder-ator
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 13,373
It's not like giving away you SS number. lol.
02-13-2012, 08:34 PM
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 173
If worried, just change the last two digits to something else.
The first several numbers ID the car as to what model, engine, etc. Last few numbers are the serial #.