Audio By Carbonatix

John and Michele Tibbs gave a private seller $33,000 in cash for a used Chevrolet Suburban. They’d done their homework and ordered a Carfax report. But when they tried to register their new SUV, they found thieves had painstakingly swapped out its VIN to resell it. This car theft tactic has become common enough that some car companies are suggesting owners have their VIN etched into every window.

What is a VIN swap?

Every car must have a unique vehicle identification number. It’s usually stamped in multiple places, including the frame and a plate under the windshield. Thieves trying to offload a stolen vehicle may go through the trouble of an illegal VIN swap, modifying the number everywhere it appears on the vehicle.

A VIN swap takes a lot of work. Automakers are careful to stamp the numbers in places that are hard to reach. That said, you can reassemble the car afterward. Because you don’t have to buy many new parts, the cost is more time than money. But a Mercedes dealership thought of a way to make VIN swaps expensive too.

Window etching may deter would-be thieves

Artists can etch complex designs in glass—including automotive glass. Window etching is one way many enthusiasts have their vehicles customized. But some drivers are turning to window etching for security.

The Mercedes-Benz dealership in Brampton, California, explained the logic: “Have your car’s VIN number etched on all windows. This makes your vehicles less attractive to thieves, as replacing all the windows is a hassle and expense they’d rather avoid.”

The irony is that the thieves may have to remove your windshield to complete a VIN swap. But putting the old windshield back in place is much less expensive than buying a new one. If the VIN is etched into every piece of glass on a car, thieves could easily spend $1,000 on new components. That cuts into their profit margins flipping a stolen car. And one dealership thinks it will deter them enough to pass your vehicle by.