My Zotyea reference for used-car owners

An independent reference for used-car owners. Not affiliated with the manufacturer Zotye, its dealers or owner clubs, or with the former website on this domain; we do not sell cars, parts or services.

Reference

Reference

This section explains words that keep coming up when buying, owning and selling a used car: in listings, documents, work orders and conversations with a mechanic. Definitions are given in plain words, without legal fine print. If you need the exact wording, look for it in the text of the law or on the official website of the relevant authority.

An unfamiliar word in a contract is a reason to stop and ask, not to sign faster. No reasonable seller will take offence at a question.

— Editor's note

Documents

VIN
A 17-character vehicle identification number under the ISO 3779 standard. It is compared with the documents and the markings on the body.
Vehicle title (PTS)
A document with the car's key details and information about its owners. It may be paper or electronic.
Registration certificate
A document issued when the car is registered with the State Traffic Inspectorate. It is carried in the car.
Work order
A workshop document listing the work done and the parts fitted. The foundation of your service records.

Parts and catalogues

Part number
The manufacturer's exact designation for a part. It is used to search for both the original and equivalents.
Aftermarket equivalent
A part from a third-party manufacturer that is compatible with the original. Compatibility is checked by number and specifications.
Cross-reference number
A number that links an original part to its equivalents from different manufacturers.
Used (salvaged) part
A part removed from another car, usually at a salvage yard. Its number and condition need checking.

Insurance and law

OSAGO
Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance. Mandatory in Russia since 1 July 2003 under Federal Law No. 40-FZ.
Pledge
An encumbrance under which the car serves as security for a debt. Information is found in the Federal Notary Chamber register of pledge notices.
Sales contract
An agreement on the sale of a car, concluded in simple written form.
TR CU 018/2011
Customs Union Technical Regulation on the safety of wheeled vehicles. Among other things, it requires winter tyres in December, January and February.

Materials on these topics

  • Practical

    Parts for a car whose brand has left the market: where to look and how to avoid mistakes. Plus the article catalogue.

  • Questions

    Short answers: buying second-hand, parts and servicing, documents, insurance and selling.

  • Collections

    Reading paths: the first month after buying, when the brand has left the market, before selling the car.

  • Topics

    A map of the reference: buying second-hand, owning a rare brand, documents and insurance, selling the car.

  • Questions

    Short answers: buying second-hand, parts and servicing, documents, insurance and selling.

  • Practical

    Parts for a car whose brand has left the market: where to look and how to avoid mistakes. Plus the article catalogue.

  • Topics

    A map of the reference: buying second-hand, owning a rare brand, documents and insurance, selling the car.

Sources

  • ISO 3779 — vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Federal Law No. 40-FZ on compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (OSAGO)
  • Federal Notary Chamber — register of pledge notices
  • Customs Union Technical Regulation TR CU 018/2011

Information is correct as of the preparation date. The rules on registration, insurance and vehicle checks described here apply in Russia and change over time; if you live elsewhere, check your local rules. For exact requirements, consult the texts of the laws, the official State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI) website and your insurer. This reference explains general principles and does not replace advice from a lawyer or specialist.