Emblems on cars are not just decoration, but an important element of identification, brand history and even the legal status of the car. Many drivers do not think about the correct names of certain signs on the body, but this knowledge will come in handy when buying a car, tuning it, or completing paperwork. In this article we will look at all types of car emblems, their official names, materials of manufacture and nuances that even experienced car owners are silent about.

Have you ever wondered why on some cars the emblem is attached with double-sided tape, while on others it is attached with bolts? Or why do BMW propeller in the logo, and Mercedes-Benz - three-pointed star? The answers lie in the history of the auto industry and technical standards. Let's look at it in order - from basic terms to little-known facts.

By the way, if you plan to remove or replace the emblem, don’t rush to do it without preparation. Some signs (for example, VIN number or plates with engine data) are strictly prohibited from touching - this can lead to problems during registration. We will also talk about all this below.

1. Basic terms: how to correctly name emblems on cars

In the automotive world, emblems are clearly named based on their function and placement. Here are the key terms to remember:

  • 🔹 Brand logo - manufacturer's brand name (for example, Toyota, Audi), which is installed on the hood, radiator grille or trunk. Most often made of metal or plastic with a chrome finish.
  • 🔹 Model plate - a plate with the name of a specific car model (for example, Camry, Golf). Can be made in the form of a sticker or volumetric letter.
  • 🔹 Identification plate (VIN plate) - metal plate with embossed VIN number, engine data and year of manufacture. Its damage or removal is equivalent to changing the factory markings and is punishable by law.
  • 🔹 Standards mark - a sticker or engraving confirming the certification of the car (for example, Euro 5, OTTK).
  • 🔹 Decorative overlay — non-informative elements (for example, moldings with a logo, chrome inserts).

It is important to understand that not all emblems are removable. For example, VIN plate welded to the body, and the logo is on the radiator grille Mercedes-Benz may be part of the part itself. An attempt to dismantle such elements without special tools often leads to damage to the body.

Emblems are also divided into:

  • 🔸 Factory - installed by the manufacturer.
  • 🔸 Tuning — replaced by the owner (for example, luminous logos or replicas for other brands).
  • 🔸 Service — stickers of car services or dealers (for example, “Official dealer Kia").
    📊 Which emblem would you never remove from your car?
    Brand logo
    Model plate
    VIN plate
    Euro 5 sign

    2. Where are the emblems located on the car: a complete list of places

    Emblems and signs can be found on almost any body element. Their location is regulated both by manufacturer standards and by law (for example, for VIN numbers or engine data plates). Here is a complete list of typical places:

    Emblem type Location Examples
    Brand logo Center of radiator grille, hood, trunk, steering wheel BMW, Audi, Toyota
    Model plate Rear body (left/right), doors, pillars Golf, Corolla, Q7
    VIN plate Under the hood, on the windshield, in the doorway Any car (required by law)
    Engine data plate Engine compartment, inside of hood Engine number, power, environmental class
    Certification marks Windshield, door pillars, trunk Stickers Euro 5, OTTK, Customs Union

    Interesting fact: some premium brands (for example, Rolls-Royce or Bentley) the emblem on the hood may be mobile — it is automatically retracted into the body when parking to avoid damage. And Porsche The logo on the steering wheel is always located strictly at the top - this is part of the corporate identity.

    If you are planning remove emblem for painting or polishing, please note:

    • 🔧 On Audi and Volkswagen The logo is often attached to plastic pistons - they are easy to break if dismantled carelessly.
    • 🔧 U BMW and Mercedes-Benz emblems can be glued to double-sided tape 3M - Removal requires heating with a hairdryer.
    • 🔧 On Toyota and Honda Model nameplates are sometimes screwed on with self-tapping screws, which rust over time.
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    Before removing the emblem, take a photo of its fastening from the back side - this will help you install it back correctly or select a replacement.

    3. Materials and technologies: what are car emblems made of?

    The quality and durability of the emblem depend on the material and method of its manufacture. Manufacturers use different technologies depending on the class of car and budget. Here are the main options:

    • 🛡️ Metal with chrome plating - the most common option for logos of premium brands (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus). Such emblems are resistant to corrosion and retain their shine for decades.
    • 🛡️ Coated plastic - a cheap analogue used in mass models (Renault, Kia, Hyundai). May fade or crack over time.
    • 🛡️ Acrylic and polyurethane — used for volumetric nameplates (for example, the inscription GTI on Volkswagen). Scratch easily, but hold color well.
    • 🛡️ Rubber and silicone - used for temporary stickers (for example, signs 4x4 or Turbo).
    • 🛡️ LED emblems — tuning option with backlight, popular among owners Audi and BMW.

    An interesting nuance: Tesla there is no traditional hood logo - a minimalist lettering is used instead T on the trunk. And Ferrari the emblem on the hood is always yellow - a tribute to racing tradition Scuderia Ferrari.

    If you notice that the emblem darkened or peeling, do not rush to change it. Often it is enough:

    1. Clean it with a special chrome cleaner (for example, Sonax Chrome Cleaner).
    2. Polish with a soft cloth and paste GOI.
    3. Apply a protective coating (eg Ceramic Pro for metal).
    How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake?

    The original emblems of premium brands have:

    - Clear logo engraving (without blurry edges).

    - Manufacturer's markings on the reverse side (e.g. Genuine BMW Part).

    - Magnetic properties (if metal).

    - Certificate of Authenticity in box (for dealer parts).

    Counterfeits are often lighter in weight and have rough edges.

    Not all emblems on a car belong to the owner. Some of them are part factory markings, and damaging or removing them can lead to legal problems. Here's what you absolutely can't do:

    ⚠️ Attention! Removal or modification VIN numbers, engine data plate or factory identification stickers is equivalent to falsification of documents (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison.

    “Forbidden” emblems include:

    • 📛 VIN plate — welded to the body, contains a unique vehicle number.
    • 📛 Engine data plate - often located in the engine compartment, contains the unit number.
    • 📛 Certification plates (for example, sticker OTTK on the windshield).
    • 📛 Glass marking — data about the manufacturer and safety standard are engraved on the windshield and side windows.

    Here's what can be changed without consequences:

    • 🔧 Brand logo on the hood/trunk (if the body is not damaged).
    • 🔧 Model nameplates (for example, GT-Line on Kia).
    • 🔧 Decorative stickers (for example, Quattro on Audi).

    If you are buying a used car, be sure to check:

    1. Does it match? VIN number on a plate under the hood with data in the PTS.
    2. Are there any signs of welding or putty around the nameplates?
    3. Does the engine number match the records in the documents?
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    Even if you accidentally damaged the VIN plate during repairs, it must be restored through an authorized dealer - self-editing is prohibited!

    5. How to remove and install the emblem: step-by-step instructions

    If you decide to remove the emblem for painting, replacement or tuning, follow these instructions. Important: Dismantling methods depend on the type of fastening.

    Check the type of fastening (glue, bolts, pistons)

    Prepare your tools (hair dryer, plastic scraper, screwdriver)

    Stock up on new double-sided tape (for example, 3M VHB)

    Take a photo of the location of the emblem -->

    Let's look at the three most common cases:

    Case 1: Emblem on double-sided tape (for example, BMW, Mercedes-Benz)

    1. Heat the emblem with a hairdryer (temperature ~60°C) for 1–2 minutes.
    2. Pry it off with a plastic card or a special scraper.
    3. Remove any remaining adhesive with a solvent (e.g. WD-40 or white spirit).
    4. When installing a new emblem, use tape 3M VHB or Tesa.

    Case 2: Emblem on caps (eg Audi, Volkswagen)

    1. Gently pull the emblem towards you - the pistons should come out of the grooves.
    2. If the pistons are broken, remove their remains with tweezers.
    3. When installing, lubricate the new pistons with silicone grease.

    Case 3: Emblem on bolts (eg Toyota, Ford)

    1. Remove the decorative plug (if equipped).
    2. Unscrew the bolts with a socket wrench (usually 10 mm or 8 mm).
    3. When installing, use a torque wrench (tightening torque ~1.5–2 Nm).

    If the emblem is stuck tightly (for example, on old Volvo or Saab), can be used thread or fishing line:

    1. Slide the fishing line under the emblem.
    2. Saw the glue with it, gradually moving around the perimeter.
    3. After removal, clean the surface with acetone.
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    To install the emblem on the glue, heat it and the surface of the body with a hairdryer - this will improve adhesion and extend its service life.

    6. Tuning emblems: what can be done legally

    Replacing or modifying emblems is a popular type of tuning. However, not all changes are permitted by law. Here's what you can do without the risk of fines:

    • 🎨 Painting the emblem - for example, a logo BMW in body color (“mop-making”).
    • 🎨 Installation of LED emblems - if they do not blind other drivers.
    • 🎨 Replacement with a replica of another brand - for example, a logo Abarth on Fiat 500 (unless it is misleading when selling).
    • 🎨 Removing Model Labels - for example, deleting an inscription 1.6 from the trunk.

    Here's what prohibited or is fraught with problems:

    • ❌ Installation of emblems police, ambulance or state traffic inspectors - this is punishable by law (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
    • ❌ Fake VIN numbers or engine data plates.
    • ❌ Installation of emblems that imitate premium brands (for example, a logo Mercedes-Benz on Geely) if it is misleading in the sale.

    Popular directions for tuning emblems:

    Tuning type Examples Cost (RUB)
    Painting in body color BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz 1 500–3 000
    LED backlight Tesla, Lexus, Infiniti 5 000–15 000
    3D logos Lamborghini, Ferrari (replicas) 3 000–10 000
    Removing emblems ("debagging") Any car 500–2 000

    If you want remove the emblems completely (“debagging”), please note:

    • On some machines (for example, Toyota Camry) after removing the nameplates, holes remain - they will have to be sealed.
    • Without a brand logo, a car may lose value when sold.
    • In some countries (eg Germany), the absence of a logo on the hood may result in a technical inspection being rejected.

    7. How to restore a damaged or lost emblem

    If the emblem has fallen off, worn out or been stolen, it can be restored. Here are all the possible ways:

    • 🔧 Purchasing original spare parts - the most reliable, but expensive option. Original emblems are sold from official dealers or trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc).
    • 🔧 Order a replica - cheap copies can be found at AliExpress or Avito, but the quality is often poor (literally).
    • 🔧 3D printing - Suitable for rare models. Cost: from 1,000 rub. for the emblem.
    • 🔧 Repairing the old emblem - polishing, painting or chrome plating.

    If you are lost VIN plate or engine data plate, proceed like this:

    1. Contact an official dealer with a title and passport.
    2. Write an application to restore the marking.
    3. Pay for the work (cost: 5,000–15,000 rubles).
    4. Wait for the duplicate to be made (time: 1–2 weeks).
    ⚠️ Attention! If VIN number damaged due to an accident or corrosion, its restoration must be carried out only in accredited centers. Self-editing or replacing with a fake will lead to problems with the traffic police.

    Cost of original emblems for popular brands:

    Brand Emblem type Price (RUB)
    Toyota Logo on the hood 2 500–4 000
    BMW Emblem on grille 3 500–6 000
    Mercedes-Benz Star on the hood 5 000–12 000
    Audi Four rings (chrome) 4 000–7 000
    Volkswagen Logo on the trunk 1 500–3 000

    8. Frequently asked questions about car emblems (FAQ)

    Is it possible to drive a car without a brand logo?

    Yes, this is not prohibited by law. However, the absence of a logo may raise questions when selling a car or passing a technical inspection in some countries. Also, without an emblem, a car is more difficult to identify in case of an accident or theft.

    What happens if you change the VIN number without permission?

    This qualifies as forgery of documents (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 rubles. or imprisonment for up to 2 years. Even if you accidentally damage the plate, it must be restored through an authorized dealer.

    How to peel off the emblem without damaging the paint?

    Better to use construction hair dryer and plastic scraper:

    1. Heat the emblem with a hairdryer (60–70°C) for 1–2 minutes.
    2. Use a scraper or credit card to pry it off the edge.
    3. Remove remaining adhesive with solvent (WD-40, white spirit).
    4. Wash the area with water and car shampoo.

    Do not use metal tools - they will scratch the varnish!

    Where can I order a glowing emblem for my car?

    LED emblems are sold at AliExpress, Amazon or in specialized tuning studios. Average price: 3,000–10,000 rubles. Please note that the lighting must comply with traffic regulations (not dazzle other drivers). Popular options:

    • 🔦 Emblems with white LEDs (e.g. for Audi).
    • 🔦 RGB backlight controlled via smartphone.
    • 🔦 Dynamic backlight (flashes when doors open).
    Can I put an emblem of another brand on my car?

    This is not prohibited by law unless it's misleading. For example, you can put a logo Abarth on Fiat 500, but you can’t put a sign on it Mercedes-Benz on Geely, if this is done to deceive buyers. Emblems of special services (police, ambulance) are also prohibited.