Are You Responsible For A Renault Clio Replacement Key Card Budget? Twelve Top Tips To Spend Your Money

Renault Clio Replacement Key Card

If you lose your Renault key card a locksmith can make a replacement at a fraction of cost of the dealership. A locksmith equipped with the right tools and expertise can create any type of key or key card.

Renault key cards are electronic devices that do more than just unlock doors and start the engine. They can store data and even act as an  auto passport.

The origins and evolution of the hands-free card

The hands-free car card is an invention that has revolutionized the way people use their cars. A tiny device - not much larger than a credit card - that has revolutionised the ways we drive to unlock and enter the car, change the lighting as well as the music, and even the temperature. This is the story of how this small device brought about major changes and is constantly evolving to meet changing demands.

Renault launched its first hands-free card in 2001. It was created to be a better alternative to the traditional key. It was said to offer greater comfort and safety when in use, aswell being able to reduce time spent in the workshop, by allowing technicians to monitor car status remotely.

To do this, it emits a radio signal when the driver approaches the car, which is detected by receiver-transmitters located throughout the vehicle. If the card is present, the vehicle recognizes it and sends an access code to it. This unlocks the doors and activates the immobiliser. If the card is not in range it will periodically check if it still has an access code. It could be as short as 80 milliseconds.

But the system was not without its glitches. Some customers found that washing the cards a real pain. And if the card was left in a trouser pocket, it was easy to accidentally sit on it and cause it to be disabled or locked accidentally.

Renault engineers and designers "reworked" the design to make it watertight. And they added an extra layer of security to protect against unintentional locking: the card was equipped with a microswitch that activated and removed the immobiliser as soon it was near or left the vehicle.

This hands-free second generation card is fitted to Laguna II as well as Clio IV. It helped to further improve the quality of Laguna II, which went to be awarded a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. It was also used in the third generation Clio. The model was bigger and more spacious and was equipped with features that were appealing to young drivers.

The Espace V comes with a hands-free card.

In order to ensure its customers the highest standard of quality, Renault's Douai plant has been working to establish new methods. This work, in turn, has also enabled craftspeople to take a fresh look at their abilities. For example, they now benefit from a method called full kitting. This ensures that each technician is equipped with the components needed to repair the vehicle they work on.

The simple plastic case conceals an advanced electronic core. It is programmed to constantly  communicate with the vehicle it is paired with. When a driver is near the vehicle it 'pings' the vehicle and emits an authentication signal. If the card responds positively, it automatically unlocks the doors.

It also allows the seats to fold down either as a complete unit with a single press of a button. The system is easy to use, similar to dominoes. It works even when the headrests are in place. The seats disappear into the floor, leaving an area that is perfect for transferring luggage.

In addition to this innovative seating, the Espace V also features a variety of innovative storage solutions. To the left of the front passenger, a practical 'Renault Easy Life drawer' turns the glove box into a 12 litre large capacity storage unit that is attractive and easy to access. The center console also has an ample compartment hidden away that houses the hands-free card and mobile.

Renault has decided to keep hands-free cards alive despite the fact smartphones are preparing to replace them. This is because the card accessory has numerous advantages over its smartphone counterpart. It can be used in bad weather. Another benefit is that it is not susceptible to hacking. This is because it uses an identification code which only the vehicle is aware of. The hands-free card is compatible with all Renault models including the ZOE, Clio, Scenic, Kadjar and Megane.

The hands-free card is offered in the Laguna II

Initially seen as an item worthy of 007, this small object - barely larger than a credit card has revolutionised the way we use cars. The hands-free card has become a symbol of Renault and is among its most innovative products.

The minimalist plastic case is an intricate electronic core. It is programmed to continually 'communicate' with the car it is linked to. When a car is walked by, the card emits a radio signal that contains an access code. If  on the main page  is able to recognize it, it will open the doors. The entire process takes less than eight milliseconds.

The hand-free card also stores details about the car's serial and registration, owner, its equipment and mileage. This reduces the time spent in the workshop if there is any issue. This also means that the mechanic can detect the issue by looking up the information on the hands-free card.

However, as with any electronic component, the hands-free card is susceptible to problems, and some of them can be quite serious. The memory of the hands-free card could be lost if the vehicle hasn't been driven for a long time. This will prevent it from opening the door locks or starting the engine. The ignition key will also cease to function. These problems can be solved with a simple reset of the hand-free card, however they will not stop it from becoming faulty in the future.

A lack of buttons is another common issue with hand-free cards. Many drivers tend to forget to lock or unlock doors by putting the card in their pockets which can be frustrating when they wish to leave their car without using their hands. This issue can be addressed by programming a second key on the hands-free cards. However, finding a card compatible and affordable can be difficult.

Renault has now enhanced the durability of their hands-free cards. The new Renault Megane and Renault Laguna have a card which is much more resistant to being damaged. There are still Renault hands-free cards that don't work. Contact us if the card you have is no longer working. We can offer and program a new one for you.

The hands-free card included in the Clio

In the years that been since, Renault have worked hard to improve their hands-free cards both in terms of its appearance as well as the technology within. Their efforts have paid off as the cards are now so user friendly that even younger drivers can use them easily. The most recent models are more efficient at detecting the presence of a driver. The aerials are more effective and are able to detect the card holder in any part of the vehicle. They also have an opening sequence that is activated when the car senses the card's proximity to the vehicle. The door handles that flush are normally concealed in the car body, then pop out. The charging port cover is also unlocked automatically.

The card will ping the vehicle when it is close enough. The car then scans the code and if it is in line, the vehicle unlocks and the doors and boot shut. This all happens in 80 milliseconds which is more than the blink of an eye. The computer on board will continue to contact the chip at regular intervals when the card is moved away from the vehicle. If the card fails to respond, the doors and boot are again locked.

Many other functions are also activated by the presence of a hands-free card, including locking the doors, triggering the horn and lights and lowering the windows. The card can also be used to store information like the serial number, registration details, owner information, equipment, and mileage. It's similar to a car passport.

The Renault hands-free is a convenient and safe way to control the car's systems. However, it shouldn't be placed in close proximity to animals or children since they could start the engine or activate devices such as the electronic windows, which could pose a risk to safety. The hands-free card should not be used in hot, cold or humid conditions as it may damage its circuitry.