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:
While road trips are buckets of fun, being cramped in a car for any long period of time can get uncomfortable and exhausting, especially if you're driving. A few small steps is all it takes to secure an easy ride for you and your passengers.
1. Be well rested and well fed
Pack several snacks and munch on them as you drive. These snacks should be light and high energy - anything too heavy will just make you drowsy, so avoid all things greasy. Muesli bars, carrots, grapes and even hard boiled eggs are all healthy, energy replenishing foods that will keep you bright eyed and bushy tailed for the duration of your drive.
Get enough sleep the night before you leave. Ideally, you will have slept for at least seven hours for a few nights before you leave. Hydration is also important. Water is often the difference between cranky and clear-minded, so even though you'll be stopping for more bathroom breaks, it'll ultimately be worth it.
2. Take breaks
Frequent breaks will enormously decrease your chances of boredom and fatigue. If you are driving with someone else, make sure to swap drivers every so often. Splitting the load will help to keep both of you fresh and you can even take turns napping.
If you're driving on your own, pull over for breaks often, even if you don't feel like you need them. Although it might not seem like it, these breaks will help prevent you from getting tired in the first place. Pull over at designated rest stops and if you need to, take a quick nap. WebMD says a 20 minute nap is perfect for increasing alertness and cognitive thinking1, exactly what you'll need to drive safely.
3. Choose the right car
A comfortable, reliable vehicle is your ultimate ally on a long road. This might seem like a no-brainer, but often people realise too late that the car they have chosen is too small or unable to get them all the way. A CarHistory report is a good way to ensure that your car has no issues that could impede a road trip. The report offers insight into your car's past, making you aware of any odometer tampering, ANCAP safety rating and anything else you might need to know about your car.
These, along with our other road trip tips, will help ensure your next road trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
1WebMD, The Secret (and Surprising) Power of Naps. Accessed October, 2015.