Does Technology Make Renault Clio Replacement Key Card Better Or Worse?

Renault Clio Replacement Key Card

If you have lost your Renault key card, a locksmith can make a replacement for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A professional locksmith has the expertise, experience and the right equipment to create all kinds of keys and key cards.

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 a 'car passport'.

The origins and evolution of the hands-free card

The hands-free card is one of those inventions that have changed the way people use cars. A tiny device - not much larger than a credit or debit card - which has revolutionised the ways we drive, unlock and get into the car, alter the lighting as well as the music, and even the temperature. This is the story of how this little object brought great changes, and how it is constantly evolving to meet new needs.

Renault launched its first hands-free cards in 2001. It was designed to be a smarter alternative to the traditional key. It was claimed to provide greater comfort and safety when employed, and reduce the time spent in the shop by allowing technicians to check the 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. The car will identify the card and issue an access code in the event that it is present. This activates the immobiliser and unlocks the doors. If the card is no longer in range, it will check it on a regular basis to see whether it still has the access key - it could take as little as 80 milliseconds, or less than the blink of an eye.

However, the system wasn't without glitches. Some customers complained that washing the cards a real hassle. And if the card was placed in a trouser's pocket, it was possible to accidentally sit on it and cause it to be disabled or locked in error.

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

The second generation of the hands-free card was fitted to Laguna II and Clio IV. It was a step forward in improving the quality of Laguna II, which went to be awarded five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. And it made its way into the third-generation Clio, a model that was both larger and more spacious, and came equipped with various features that were specifically designed to attract young drivers.

The hands-free card included in the Espace V

To ensure its customers the highest standard of quality, the Renault Douai plant has worked to implement new methods. This work, in turn, has allowed artisans to take a fresh look at their abilities. For instance, they can are now able to benefit from a procedure known as full kitting. This ensures that every technician has at their disposal a set of parts corresponding to the particular specification of the vehicle with they are working.

The simple plastic case conceals an advanced electronic core. It is programmed to continuously  communicate with the car it is connected to. It emits a signal of confirmation every time the driver is near the car. If the card responds in a positive way, it unlocks the door immediately.

It also allows the seats to fold down in a single or complete unit - with one push of a button. The process is smooth and a little like tipping dominos and the system is functional even when the head rests are in their place. The seats disappear into the floor leaving an area that is ideal for luggage.

The Espace V is not only unique in its seating, it also comes with a variety of clever storage solutions. In front of the front seat passenger the practical 'Renault Easy Life drawer' turns the glove box into a 12 litre large capacity storage unit that is attractive and accessible. The same principle is applied to the centre console, which has an ample compartment hidden behind which houses the hands-free device and the mobile phone.

Renault has decided to keep the hands-free cards in existence despite the fact smartphones are set to replace them. This is because the accessory has many advantages over its smartphone counterpart. It is able to be used in bad weather. Another advantage is that it is less vulnerable to hacking. This is because it uses a unique identification code, which only the vehicle is aware of. The hands-free card is available on all Renault models including the ZOE, Clio, Scenic, Kadjar and Megane.

The hands-free card can be found in the Laguna II

At first, it was thought of as an item worthy of 007, the small device - barely larger than a credit card has revolutionized the way we use cars. The hands-free card has become a symbol of Renault and is among its most innovative products.

The sleek plastic case of the hands-free card conceals an advanced electronic core. It is programmed to continuously 'communicate' with the car it is linked to. Whenever the car is approached the card emits a radio signal with an access code. The car will open the doors if it recognizes the card. The entire process takes just eight milliseconds.

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

As with any electronic component, the hands-free card is susceptible to issues and some of them could be extremely serious. If the vehicle is not driven for a prolonged period of time, the card could lose its memory, which results in it no longer being able to unlock the door locks or start the engine. The ignition key may also stop working. This issue can be resolved by a simple reset the hand-free card, however they won't stop it from deteriorating in the future.

Another issue that is common to the hands-free card is the absence of buttons. It is common for drivers to lock or unlock their doors accidentally by putting their card in their pockets. This can be very irritating when they try to leave their vehicle without using their hands.  renault key card replacement near me G28  can be resolved by programming a second key for the hands-free cards, however finding a card compatible at a reasonable cost isn't easy.

Renault has now improved the durability of their hands-free cards. The new Renault Megane and Renault Laguna come with a card which is much more resistant to being damaged. There are a few Renault hands-free cards that do not work. Call us if yours isn't working anymore. We will be able to offer and program a new one for you.

Clio's hands-free card

In the years that followed, Renault have worked hard to improve their hands-free card both in terms of its appearance and the technology inside. Their efforts have paid off, as the cards are now so easy to use that even younger drivers are able to use them without difficulty. The latest models are even more effective at detecting drivers' presence. They have more efficient aerials that are able to detect the location of the card holder, regardless of the 360-degree area around the car. They also have a welcome sequence that activates when the car senses the card's proximity. The handles on the flush doors - normally hidden within the car body will then open and the charging port cover automatically unlocks.

The card will ping the vehicle when it is close enough. The car scans the code and if it matches, it opens the vehicle and closes the doors and boot. This all happens in 80 milliseconds, which is faster than the blink of an eye. If the card is moved away from the vicinity of the vehicle, the on-board computer continues to ping the card on regular intervals to see if it remains in the vicinity. If the card does not respond the doors and boot are locked again.

A number of other functions can also be triggered through the hands-free card. These include locking the doors, activating the horn and lights and closing the windows. The card can also be used to store details like the serial number, registration number, owner information, equipment, and mileage. It's similar to a car passport.

While the Renault hands-free card is a convenient and secure way to control the car's features however, it should not be placed in the vicinity of animals or children, as they could pose a safety risk by starting the engine or activating equipment such as the electronic windows. The hands-free device shouldn't be left in humid, hot or cold conditions because it could damage the circuitry.