Etching the VIN ( vehicle identification number) onto a vehicle's windows has proven to be one of the greatest theft deterrents of our time. While there are do-it-yourself kits on the market, controversy arises over the practice of car dealerships forcing customers to pay for a VIN etching service when they buy new cars. Essentially, this process involves etching the VIN, or vehicle identification number, directly on the car’s windows. Save money on your insurance premium. Use nitrile gloves or plastic tongs to lift the metal out of the acid-filled container. Wear an apron and eye protection when working with acids. By etching all the windows on a vehicle with the VIN the thief then has to replace and dispose of marked glass. Angie's List states that car dealers and local police departments often provide etching service. One PA dealer tried to tell me it was a police requirement, he later relented and said the police "like" when they have the etching. Consumers may spend perhaps $100 or more for a service that costs the dealership perhaps $10 – $20 to perform. It is simply permanently etching the car’s VIN number on all of the car’s glass windows and windshield. Etching Tips. No. The current VIN is 17 characters long. Most parts of your vehicle that are made of glass will be etched, including the rear window, … It involves etching the VIN into the windows of the car, making the car easier to identify and making it harder to take the car apart and sell it for parts. VIN etching is the engraving of the complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the lower corner of the windshield and on each side or rear window of a new car, used car, or leased car. Once marked the Etched glass is permanently identifiable to your vehicle forming a very strong deterrent to car thieves. Every vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate on the dash board. Most insurance companies offer a discount for anti-theft devices. Do it yourself and save hundreds of dollars. Preprinted Do it Yourself etch kit utilizes Insta Etch high resolution stencils, plus safe & easy etching cream. Insurance discounts are usually offered. Metallographic etching is a chemical technique used to highlight features of metals at microscopic levels. This is an option. By studying the character, quantity, and distribution of these different features, metallurgists can predict and explain the physical properties and performance failures of … However, this is not always the case, so you may want to verify that a vehicle has VIN etching before you buy it. The U.S. National Safety Commission began requiring VINs in 1981 for all vehicles on the road. To reduce your risk of an acid spill, do not repeatedly check the progress of the etching. One pair of vinyl gloves; Two hi-visability, quality two-color window warning decals; 2-part “proof of etch” insurance certificate. If your auto has VIN etching, a thief would need to change out all the glass on the vehicle, which is expensive and thus a deterrent to stealing your car versus one without VIN etching. It takes only minutes and you or anyone in your family over grade school age can do it in about 15 minutes. NY, on the other hand, as per nipper and others, seems to have a lot of people doing it even for free, insurance companies, police, etc. VIN etching, as it's commonly known, can be a cost-effective method for doing this if your vehicle did not come with the windows marked already. Most parts on a vehicle already have at least a partial VIN stamped onto them, and many auto parts buyers will not purchase parts that carry identification numbers. Geico, State Farm, Nationwide, USAA, and the Texas Farm Bureau do not offer discounts on policies in Texas. Prior to that, VINs varied in length from 11 to 17 characters. Kits also are available online and consist of the pertinent materials and instructions to do it yourself. Where to get a VIN etching and cost. Glass etching cream with applicator. I've seen estimates that having VIN etching reduces car theft by about 15-20%. VIN etching is also the engraving of the VIN on motorcycle component parts. All in all there are a few companies that sell VIN etching kits. Does etching your vehicle's VIN number into your car windows deter car thieves? The process consists of etching the VIN number onto all of the vehicle’s windows — the windshield, rear window and side windows, etc. Do It Yourself – VIN Number etching If you want to have VIN etching done to your vehicle, you can buy a do-it-yourself VIN etching kit on the internet for about $20-30. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a series of numbers and letters that is specific to an individual vehicle, much like a serial number. All recommend VIN etching as a useful anti-theft tool. Members and the public can receive the VIN etching on their vehicle windows to make them a less likely target for car theft. It is simply permanently etching the car’s VIN number on all of the car’s glass windows and windshield. Complete kit to etch your vehicles VIN number on all of your windows. VIN/Registration Etching is the permanent marking of your car's VIN/Registration number onto your vehicle windows. VIN Etching is simply using the VIN Etching Kit shown below, and putting your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on all of your glass windows in the vehicle. These plates can and are being replaced with a new, fake plate by thieves. First, remember to wear gloves and protective glasses. No "registration" fees at your VIN does not change and they give you 10 etching stickers foa all your glass. Description. VIN etching is a process whereby a car’s VIN is essentially engraved into the vehicle’s windshield and windows. And, because Connecticut state law permits the dealer to preprint the charge directly on the contract, many consumers do not even notice that they have been charged for this service. Where is it located: Left front corner of dashboard, driver's door jam, various body panels and engine components, your registration and title. If you don’t have a wide margin on your vinyl decal, put some masking or painter’s tape around the edge of the vinyl to prevent getting any etching cream there. Glass etching will make your vehicle very unattractive to car thieves. These come with a custom stencil of your vehicle’s VIN number and a mild acid solution to etch the number into the glass. Insta Etch is a leader in glass etching supplies, window etching kits, and anti theft car protection industries. VIN etching is the permanent engraving of a vehicle’s federally registered vehicle identification number (VIN) onto its windshield and windows. Now you’re ready to etch! It takes only minutes, and is simple enough that any one in your family over grade school age can do it. It takes only minutes and you or anyone in your family over grade school age can do it in about 15 minutes. Thus if anyone steals your car, they have to deal with having all of your windows ID'ed with this etching. Your car’s VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number) is found in the Windshield area on the Drivers side of every car. Your car’s VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number) is found in the Windshield area on the Drivers side of every car. VIN etching is usually completed by your automaker and is included as a feature in the car at the time of purchase. Who: AAA East Central. Dealerships typically offer VIN etching on new cars, but this option tends to be pricey ($200 or more). Takes only 15 minutes. About VIN Etching. Kit includes an Insurance Certificate to send to your auto insurer. But if every window has the VIN, the crook can't do anything without a complete window replacement. This discount is on your comprehensive portion of your insurance policy and is usually 15%. Proven deterence. Marking with Speed and Ease with Insta Glass Etching. A code's specific meaning may be different on a yearly basis but the position remains the same. The process of “VIN etching” inscribes your vehicle’s 17-digit identification number onto your windshield and all windows using a stencil and acidic etching paste. Watch my video to see how I do this. What is VIN Etching? The cops can do that with the VIN. You can even do two or three other cars at the same time easily. You can purchase VIN Etching kits for $16-$30 and do it yourself. If there is no etching, it's VERY easy to change the VIN plate under the front window. The Deluxe Kit is packed full of these other etching supplies, including 80 total Rub’N’Etch pre-cut glass etching stencils (54 motif designs and 26 letters), a 3-ounce bottle of Armour Etch Cream, brush, applicator, gloves, stencil cutter, and piece of practice glass. To save money, get the etching done on your new or … If a cop sees the car and checks the VIN Plate, they'll not realize it's a stolen car. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching is a technique which is used to deter car thieves by making a car less appealing to steal. This system started in 1981. VIN etching also aids in the recovery of a vehicle if it is stolen. Some car dealerships and law enforcement agencies perform the service. VIN etching uses a variety of methods, commonly a stencil and an acidic etching paste, to engrave a vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windshield and windows. You can also purchase etching kits (check online or at an auto parts store) and do the work yourself. . Great for any Do-It-Yourselfer or as a gift! VIN Etching may be the most profitable add-on that a car dealership offers. Our VERIFY team gets answers. Attendees will have opportunities to win prizes. To the fellow that asked, the car just got off lease, nothig fishy, most dealers offer vin etching nowadays when you buy a car. It has the effect of leaving your VIN numbers "frosted" onto the inside surface of your windows. Our Do-It-Yourself VIN Glass Etching Kit contains: Ten “custom computer cut” glass etch stencils with your vehicle’s unique 17 character VIN. Simply provide us your VIN to order. Also, the dealer is not replacing the glass and I can't afford it myself, so to rephrase my question, for those of you who work on restorations/glass repair. Stencils are heavy vinyl custom cut with your VIN number and can be re-used. Verifying your car's VIN is necessary if you need to get it registered. Must my vehicle/motorcycle be etched? Protect your car from thieves. 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