# DECODE.AUTOS

> Free bilingual VIN/NIV decoding and open vehicle intelligence for Canada and Québec, offered by PAT Auto Parts / PAT Pièces d’autos.

DECODE.AUTOS scans a VIN barcode, reads a VIN photo, or accepts a 17-character VIN. It combines public/open vehicle data, labels source coverage, and never presents model-level safety data as a VIN-specific history report.

## Primary pages

- [Français](https://decode.autos/fr/index.md): French-Canadian overview.
- [English](https://decode.autos/en/index.md): English-Canadian overview.
- [French make directory](https://decode.autos/fr/marques/): Decoding by vehicle make.
- [English make directory](https://decode.autos/en/makes/): Decoding by vehicle make.

## Data sources

- NHTSA vPIC and Canadian Vehicle Specifications where published.
- NHTSA recalls, consumer complaints and NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings for U.S. model-level context.
- FuelEconomy.gov EPA/DOE options for transmission enrichment.
- Wikimedia Commons for representative vehicle imagery and manufacturer marks.
- Official external checks from Transport Canada, CPIC/CIPC, NICB and NHTSA.

## Interpretation

Missing fields are not guessed. Model-level recalls, complaints and safety ratings do not prove the status or condition of an individual VIN. External/open data must be independently verified before technical, commercial or legal decisions.