Renault Clio Car Key Replacement: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

Renault Clio Car Key replacement key renault megane

It is best to call an expert locksmith if the key to your car from Renault is damaged or has been lost. These guys can produce replacement keys and disable the old one, making it harder for someone to steal your vehicle.

The process is much quicker than going through the main dealer.

Chipped Keys

The Renault Clio is a supermini car that was first launched in 1990 and is in production even today. It is one of the most sought-after cars in Europe and has been voted European Car of the Year twice. This popularity is due to its capability to provide convenience to drivers by allowing them to lock and start their vehicle with only one key. Every key has an embedded transponder in its head to ensure that only genuine Renault Clio keys can be used to unlock or start the car. If your key was lost, stolen or damaged, Beishir Lock and Security can provide a replacement at only a fraction of the cost of a dealer.

Transponder chips are tiny electronic microchips that are built inside the head part of a car key. They get their name from the fact they contain an electronic transmitter and a receiver. The transponder chip receives an audio signal from the antenna ring of the immobilizer after the key is turned on to the ignition lock. The chip responds by sending back a coded message to the antenna ring, that is matched with the serial number that is stored in the immobilizer's system and, if it is correct it allows the engine to start.

This is how modern Renault car is designed to work and is an important security feature to stop thieves from copying your key to start your car and then selling it on the black market. The chips are not powered by a battery and instead are energized by radio signals that they receive from the immobilizer.

Transponder keys may also be damaged by mechanical shocks or submersion into the water. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using your key. Dropping your key onto an object or submerging it into water could cause the chip to short circuit and cause the key to cease to function.

A renault clio chip key is more expensive to replace than a simple non-transponder key, however the additional manufacturing costs are well worth the investment since it helps protect your vehicle from theft. Certain manufacturers do not require specialized equipment to program a new chip key, however this is contingent upon the model and year of your car. Some, such as Chevrolet and Ford, use a password transponder which can be copied by the standard key programmer.

Key Cards

Renault key cards let you to unlock the car and start the engine without having to insert the key in the lock. The key card utilizes radio signals to communicate with the car and it's sensors. The sensors are positioned all over the car and can detect the card. If it is close enough to the door, it will open. If the button is pressed the car will switch on the ignition. These keys are very popular and easy to use. However, they can become damaged and if this happens the card will need to be replaced.

Behind the minimalist plastic case of the hands-free card lies a sophisticated electronic chip programmed to constantly "communicate" with the vehicle that it is connected. When it's approached, it emits a radio signal containing an access code that's verified by receiver-transmitters in the vehicle. If it's recognised the car unlocks and opens its doors instantly and is locked when the card is removed.

It is important to have a spare renault scenic key card repair card in the event that you lose your primary. It will ensure that you can still drive your vehicle until you can wait for an alternative key fob or transponder chip to arrive. If your keys have been lost, make sure you check all the places where you usually keep them and also inform your insurance company immediately so that they can locate your vehicle.

There are companies that specialize in the replacement of Renault key cards in the event that you lose it or it breaks. They can create an exact copy of your Renault car key fob for much less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. Beishir Lock and Security, for example, is a company that has the largest selection of renault key card replacement key fobs in the UK and can make replacements for you at just a fraction of the cost of the dealership.

Immobilisers

An immobiliser is a security device that prevents your car from starting if the key has the wrong code or has been used to start it illegally. Immobilisers have been required in cars since 1998 in England and Wales but they were installed prior to that. If you're unsure if your Renault has one, the simplest method of checking is consulting a mechanic or by visiting the website of your car's manufacturer and contacting them.

The immobiliser system operates by sending an indication from the key to a reader within the dashboard, which then examines the response received from the key. If the codes match, then the car will begin. If not, the engine won't begin and it will also turn off at least two other functions - typically air conditioning and fuel.

If you have a newer Renault key, it's likely that the key has a transponder chip in the head of the key and the immobiliser mechanism can only be activated with an original Renault key. If you have a second hand Renault key, you'll have to replace it by a locksmith in order to stop thieves from stealing it from your car.

It is important to remember that this system might not be foolproof and even more sophisticated thieves could still be able to defeat it. For instance, in 2014 a researcher named Bokslag was able to hack three different kinds of renault replacement keys price immobiliser systems for cars in only 10 seconds. His method involved a laptop and an antenna to intercept messages transmitted via the vehicle's CAN-bus.

You can make the immobiliser on your Renault more secure by placing your keys in a faraday bag that blocks signals and keeps them away from doors and windows. You can also purchase a steering lock that will stop your car from being driven if the keys are removed from it.

If you're concerned about theft, then it's a good idea contact your insurance company and ask if they provide discounts on the installation of additional security features installed. Thatcham Research maintains a list of approved security devices. You could be able to reduce your insurance premiums by installing an immobiliser after-market or other mechanical security devices, like a steering lock.

Remote Fobs

A key fob, which is a small electronic device connects to the vehicle's computer in order to perform various functions. When the key fob is activated it emits a radio signal with an unique code. The code is received by a receiver in the car. When the car is able to recognize the code, the owner can open or start their vehicle. The key fob is also able to control other features, such as the panic alarm as well as other security systems.

Most key fobs allow users to lock and unlock cars remotely. The buttons on the fob can also be used to control other functions, such as lowering the windows or starting the engine. A lot of modern cars come with a key fob that can also control the power sunroof. This feature is especially useful on a warm day and help keep the interior cool.

The key fob is usually a small metal device however some are made of plastic. Some are thin, flat and round with a button at each end. These keys are not as secure as the traditional ones, but they provide convenience and safety.

To stop cloning or hacking, key fobs employ an algorithm called rolling codes. The key fob and the car's receiver generate a new code each time the user presses the button. This makes it nearly impossible for attackers clone the signal and gain access to the car.

Certain older fobs can be programmed by the owner, but others require locksmith or dealer programming. Those that can be programmed by the owner include those that operate on infrared or infrared/radio frequency systems. Modern fobs, on other hand, require dealer or locksmith programming using a particular tool or software.

The latest models from Renault, such as the Clio or Megane are equipped with keyless entry systems that operate via a keyfob. This is a convenient way to open and start the car and it can help to stop key theft. Having extra key fobs can also be helpful in the event that one is damaged or lost.