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How Are Car, Truck and SUV Keys Made? It is common to get a standard car key from a local locksmith or a dealer. Modern smart keys and FOBs however, require special equipment to program the vehicle. These keys have transponder chips inside that emits a signal when the key is inserted into the ignition. This signals the immobilizer to prevent the car from starting. 1. VIN Number The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character alphanumeric code that provides details about the vehicle. Each character has its own meaning. For example the first three digits indicate where the car was made and the manufacturer, while the last six digits identify the year of manufacture. The VIN includes a check-digit to ensure that it is not counterfeited. It is essential to know the VIN number of your vehicle in case you're looking for a locksmith that can assist you with the replacement of a key or replace lost one. This will help you ensure that the person you're working with is legitimate and will be able to get the new key in your vehicle. VIN numbers were used to vary widely between manufacturers and state title agencies. Since 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has mandated that all vehicles have a standard VIN number. It's crucial to be aware of your VIN number to verify its authenticity, particularly when you're thinking of purchasing a second-hand car. The first three digits are the world manufacturer identifier. The first two numbers of the VIN code indicate the country in which the vehicle was built, while the second two numbers identify the manufacturer. The fourth through seventh digits denote the car's body type and engine size and transmission, restraint systems and many more. The ninth digit of the VIN is an identifier for check-digits. It is calculated using a special formula. The check digit must match the number in the last four numbers of the VIN to be valid. The six digits in the last six of the VIN are the unique serial number for the vehicle. This is unique to all vehicles manufactured in the same year model at the same factory. 2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit number that contains all of the details about your vehicle. It has a very specific format and structure that is unique to every single car, truck or SUV on the road. It's similar to your car's fingerprint – each car will have the same design. It's encoded in all modern keys for cars and printed on a metal plaque within the door frame of the driver as well other locations within your car. The first three numbers of your VIN will tell you the place where the car was built by, who made it and what kind of car it is. The next six digits are used to describe the car's model, safety systems such as engine, transmission, and other features. The ninth digit is an assurance digit to confirm the authenticity of the. It is essential to know how to interpret a VIN because it could provide vital information about the vehicle or truck you're considering purchasing. It could reveal the following: for instance that the vehicle has been in an incident or is on a list of stolen vehicles. It can also identify if the vehicle was modified or repaired by unlicensed dealers or body shops. A VIN is a vital piece of information you should always keep safe and never lose. You can find it on the driver's side of your insurance card and on your vehicle registration and in the owner's manual. You can also get a vehicle report online for free prior to making a purchase. This will help you make an educated decision about the car or truck that you want to buy. The service will also notify you whether the vehicle has been in a flood or a serious accident, which could significantly decrease its value. 3. Driver's license Modern vehicles, particularly ones manufactured after 1990-ish, have some sort of transponder chip built into the key head. This chip sends a signal to the car's computer when it is inserted into the lock. These keys have to be programmed to start your car, and they can add to the cost of replacing a key as they are more complicated than a standard mechanical key. These keys look like normal keys, however they are fitted with a plastic cap that houses the transponder. The key can be cut in a standard way or laser cut (sometimes called a sidewinder key) or with the tibbe (used on Jaguars) and could have distinct features depending on the type of vehicle. In order to get a new key made with the transponder function, you'll need to provide your driver's license as well as the VIN number of the truck you are driving. This will allow the locksmith to determine which type of key you require to purchase, the type of programming required, and if your vehicle is in need of a smart key. 4. Vehicle Registration Certain vehicle manufacturers permit you to order new keys using only the VIN. This is because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires that each car or motorcycle has a unique 17-character identification code that helps verify who made the key and ensures that it is registered to the correct person. This information can also help when filing an insurance claim in the event that a vehicle is stolen. The VIN will give a locksmith the year, year of manufacture and model of the vehicle. This will enable them to determine the type of key you require, such as an ignition key or door entry remote. The cost of the key will be determined by the complexity and materials of the key. Basic keys are keys made of metal with a cap made of plastic that includes an electronic transponder. It is designed to prevent theft by emitting a signal every time the key is in the ignition. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's the signal, it will not be able to start. This is a great way to avoid car theft, however, it adds a layer of extra expense to having a spare key created in case you lose yours. Another alternative is a high-security keys known as sidewinder keys or laser-cut keys. They have a distinct groove pattern on either side of the key or in the center and require special equipment to cut. locksmith truck key are more expensive and are usually only found in luxury cars. 5. Owner's Manual Your owner's manual can be an excellent source of important information. Be sure to check any additional booklets that might be included with your vehicle too. The table of contents will provide an overview of the subjects that are covered in the manual. Some of the most popular topics are: The owner's manual will guide you through the sometimes complex process of connecting to and using features such as navigation and phone integration. Understanding warning lights Your manual will inform you what each warning light means and how to resolve them. When you have the right information, it's easy to obtain a brand new truck key. The VIN, driver's license and vehicle registration are all essential to ensure that the key you get is the correct one for your vehicle.