Is it necessary to know what type of engine your car has? Well yes, it is much more important than you might imagine, especially when it comes to carrying out maintenance or optimizing your vehicle.
You're probably wondering, "How can I find out what engine my car has?" Right? Don't worry, we're going to explain how to find out!
Why is it so important to know what engine your car has?
You may never have paid much attention to the type of engine in your car, but it is important to know the model, in order to:
Maintenance and repairs
Each engine has specific parts, so when it comes to replacing those that are damaged or worn, you will need them to be compatible with that engine.
Similarly, some require a specific type of oil and other fluids. If you got it wrong, it would affect its performance and lifespan. And, above all, if you are going to buy a second-hand engine, you will need to make sure it is the same as the one your car had.
Fuel type and consumption
Your car's engine won't consume the same as other types, since a city car is not the same as a mini. In addition, the engine type also determines the vehicle's power and performance.
Making modifications and improvements
If you are going to make modifications and improvements to the engine, you need to know what type it is in order to find the right parts. Otherwise, you could end up fitting parts that are not compatible or that reduce its power.
How can you find out what engine your car has?
Now let's look at the different options you have to find out what engine your car has:
Can you find out through the license plate?
Let's say it's an option, but only partially. We'll explain: it is possible to find information about your car's engine through the license plate, but it doesn't always work.
The reason is simple: to obtain this information you need to visit the DGT website, where you can enter your car's license plate number and it will provide certain information such as the make and model. Sometimes it will even tell you the engine type. But not always, so it's better to try other options.
Find out what engine your car has using the technical data sheet
The easiest and most reliable option is to check the technical data sheet, that is, the Technical Inspection Card (ITV) which sets out the technical specifications of your vehicle.
There are two types:
Old technical data sheet
In the old cards, the green ones, the engine code is found in the engine section, in the right column under the heading Type.
What you need to look at is the combination of letters and numbers, which identifies the specific type of engine your vehicle uses.
Modern technical data sheet
In the modern ones, the blue ones, the engine code is found in section P.5, and just below it, in P.5.1, it indicates who the engine manufacturer is.
As with the previous one, you need to look for the alphanumeric combination that will indicate the code your car has.
Finding out your car's engine type using the VIN
The third option, and one of the most reliable, for finding out what engine your car has, as well as other information, is the VIN code.
This is the Vehicle Identification Number, abbreviated as VIN, which allows us to obtain detailed information about our vehicle, including the engine data.
We can find this in:
- The vehicle's technical data sheet.
- The lower corner on the driver's side of the windscreen.
- The driver's door frame.
However, on its own it does not show us the exact engine code, but it does contain information that could help us identify it. How? By using what are known as VIN decoders.
These are online tools that help you interpret the information contained in this code, providing details on the engine type, displacement, or power output. Some manufacturers even offer this tool on their own website.
Manufacturer's manual
If you bought your vehicle at a dealership, you were surely given a manual with the different functions of your vehicle. In that booklet you will also be able to find the engine code, as well as the type your car uses.
Can a mechanic find out?
Of course. Although it's good to have that information to hand, when you take your vehicle to the garage for a service or repair, the mechanic will look up the engine model using the VIN or the technical data sheet.
Take the opportunity to note down all the information and keep it handy for when you need it in the future. You never know when you might need it.