Renault Vehicle FAQs

• Radio Pin Code - What do I do if the Radio requires a pin code?

You should always ensure that the radio PIN CODE number is recorded by your Renault Dealership and is kept in a safe place. If your pin code is unknown, you will need to contact the Service Department of an authorised Renault Dealer who can arrange to obtain the code. A fee may be charged for this service.

• Manuals- Where can I purchase an owner's / workshop manual for my Renault?

Owner’s manuals can be purchased directly from Renault New Zealand (these are for current models ONLY). Workshop manuals are not available in print form. However, technical information can be purchased on the Internet via the following website address: www.infotech.renault.com or call customer service on 0800 736 2858. 

• Spare Tyres & Inflation Pressure Pack

Some Renault vehicles incorporate different manufacturers tyres for the spare wheel, and some vehicles have steel rims as a spare wheel that may vary in size to the four road wheels. E.g., The road wheels are 17-inch low profile tyres with alloy rim and the spare is 16-inch steel rim and tyre. The tyre may be an emergency type with a maximum speed rating (usually 80 km/h). Regardless of the rim and tyre combination, the rolling circumference will be equivalent to the road wheels on the vehicle.

Some vehicles do not have a spare wheel. In this case, a Tyre Inflation Pressure Pack is provided. These are normally Renault sport vehicles that do not have provision for storing a spare wheel. Replacement Tyre Inflation Pressure Packs can be purchased from your Renault Dealership. 

• I recently had to brake very hard to avoid a collision, and the brake pedal appeared to vibrate rapidly against my foot. Is there something wrong with the brakes?

It sounds as if your ABS system was simply doing the job for which it was designed; that is, stopping a wheel or wheels from locking-up during heavy braking. Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) work by monitoring wheel rotation, when it senses that a wheel is about to lock-up it reduces the pressure to that wheel or axle to prevent the wheel lock-up from happening.

This pressure reduction can usually be felt in the brake pedal as a high rate of vibration and will stop as soon as the risk of wheel lock-up is over. This type of situation is more likely to occur when the driver is trying to stop quickly on wet or gravel roads or when one pair of wheels are in water or gravel while the others are on bitumen. If you have any concerns, see your Renault Dealership.

• I have heard of cases where a vehicle was involved in a collision, and the airbags didn't go off. Can this happen?

The analysis of the forces required to activate the sensors for the air-bag systems are incredibly complex and include speed, rates of deceleration (g-forces) and the angle from which the force occurs.

As each accident has its own individual set of circumstances, it is impossible to make any general comment as to whether air-bag deployment should have occurred in any given accident. In a rear-end, collision airbags will not be deployed.

• Does running my air conditioner use more fuel?

Any accessory that is being driven by the engine increases fuel consumption. However, the overall situation is that modern cars are designed to be very aerodynamic, and anything that alters the aerodynamics will also increase fuel consumption. This means that driving with the windows down will usually increase the fuel consumption more than running the air conditioner.

• Should I run my air conditioner even when the weather isn't hot?

Air conditioning systems run at high temperatures and have high internal pressures. To keep the pressure seals properly lubricated and therefore sealing correctly it is strongly recommended that automotive air conditioners be run for at least 10 minutes every week.

Some owners choose to run their air conditioners all year round to cool and dehumidify in summer and in winter in conjunction with the heater to dehumidify the air and avoid a stuffy cabin environment that can result in driver drowsiness when the heater is running at high temperatures.

• What fluid additives should be regularly checked to ensure ongoing performance of my Renault?

Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake fluid and Washer fluid should be checked regularly to ensure the ongoing performance of your Renault.  Your local Renault dealership will be able to assist if you are unable to perform these checks. http://www.renault.co.nz/find-a-dealer/

• New Models

Please visit the Renault website regularly to get more information as it becomes available. 

• Can I tow with my Renault vehicle?

Please refer to your vehicle handbook or specifications.

Email info@renault.co.nz if you are having difficulties. 

• Are all the functions that are listed in my Driver’s Handbook available on my vehicle?

The Driver’s Handbook is a generic worldwide document outlining all the functions available for that vehicle type. Please refer to your vehicle's specification sheet for the relevant functions in your vehicle.

• What type of fuel does Renault recommend for its vehicles?

Petrol models - Renault recommend the use of Premium Unleaded fuel (95 RON or higher). If this is not available Regular Unleaded can be used; however, there will be a drop in performance and an increase in fuel consumption.

Diesel models – as all of our diesel engines use the latest technologies and are Common Rail Direct Injection, Renault recommends you use quality diesel fuel only. Renault does NOT recommend Ethanol blended fuels, BioDiesel or LPG.

• Can I use Biodiesel fuel blends in my Renault?

As part of Renault’s environmental policy, Renault’s diesel range vehicles are capable of being powered by biofuels such as biodiesel.  Every diesel vehicle can run with B10 (a blend of diesel fuel with 10% in volume of biodiesel) as long as the fuel complies with the project of European standard prEN16734.

• What oil is recommended for my Renault?

Renault recommends you check with your local Renault agent for oil they support to be used in your vehicle or call 0800 736 2858

• Does Renault have Roadside Assistance?

Renault 24 Hour Roadside Assistance is a service which Renault provides to you as a new Renault owner for the period of your new vehicle warranty (3 Years / 100,000 km whichever is sooner). If you’ve locked your keys in your car, if you have a flat tyre or flat battery, or if you’ve simply run out of fuel we’ll get you going again at no charge - we’ll even provide you with emergency fuel free; and there is no limit to the number of times you can call us. If your Renault has a problem other than those mentioned above (which is not due to theft or accident) and is immobilised, we will, with your permission, transport it to the nearest Renault dealer, or an alternative repairer.

Terms and conditions will apply.

• Can I extend my Roadside Assist policy?
  Although Renault Customer Service can provide some advice and do their best to help, vehicles must be taken to a Renault dealership for it to be appropriately diagnosed by a variety of physical inspections.

• Flat battery / jump start - If the vehicle cannot be jump started due to the battery requiring replacement, the vehicle will be referred or transported to the nearest Renault approved repairer.
• Lockout assistance - (keys locked in vehicle) First Assistance will dispatch a provider to unlock the vehicle or if more convenient, arrange for the spare set of keys to be delivered to the driver.
• Lost Keys - First Assistance will arrange for a replacement key to be delivered to the driver. If there is no spare key available, First Assistance will arrange for the vehicle to be transported to the nearest dealer. All expenses for the replacement key will be at the driver's cost.
• Out of fuel - First Assistance will arrange, free of charge, the delivery of 5 litres of petrol or diesel
• Flat tyre - First Assistance will dispatch a provider to remove the flat tyre and fit the vehicle spare wheel. If the spare wheel is flat or has no spare (vehicle has collapsible tyres or a Tyre Mobility System) First Assistance will pay for a provider to assist the caller refill the tyre or to transport the vehicle to the nearest GS Group approved repairer or place of safety.
• Mechanical breakdown - First Assistance will dispatch a provider to transport the vehicle to the nearest Renault approved repairer or place of safety.
• Vehicle Repatriation - Where a vehicle is immobilised more than 100 kilometres from the owner’s home and the repairs will take longer than 24 hours, the owner may elect to continue the journey by alternative means.  If required, First Assistance will arrange for the vehicle to be transported to the customer’s home or ultimate destination – whichever is the shorter. Alternatively the owner/driver may choose to be repatriated back to the repairer to collect the vehicle
• Rental car – If the vehicle is immobilised greater than 100 kilometres from the owner/driver normal place of residence (as registered in the program), and cannot be repaired within 24 hours, the owner/driver will be entitled to a rental car to a cost of $120 per day and a maximum of three days rental. Rental vehicle insurance and petrol costs remain the responsibility of the owner/drive.
• Accommodation (in lieu of a rental vehicle) - If the vehicle is immobilised greater than 100 kilometres from the owner/driver normal place of residence (as registered in the program), and cannot be repaired within 24 hours, the owner/driver will be entitled to accommodation costs, per night, (room charge only) of up to $120 per night to a maximum of three nights.
• Accident / Collision Assistance - If the vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle accident, after ensuring all parties are safe First Assistance will provide advice/referral to the owner/drivers insurer and if requested, organise an accident/tow provider to attend and transport the vehicle to the Renault approved repairer or place of safety. 
• Emergency contact - In the event of a breakdown or accident, First Assistance can connect their call to family members, friends or business associates to notify them of any possible delays.
• Windscreen/glass repair or replacement - First Assistance will refer the owner/driver to the nearest Renault approved repairer or automotive glass specialist repairer
• Unlimited callouts - Vehicles registered to the New Vehicle Renault Roadside Rescue package are entitled to unlimited callouts in any one year of registration. 
• Customer Experience Call - As part of the event process First Assistance will make a follow up call to the vehicle owner/driver to ensure that no further service is required and they are satisfied with the experience provided in their time of need.

• Non-Renault Servicing - If I get my Renault serviced at my local garage, will this affect the new car warranty?

We recommend that only a Renault dealership services your vehicle, as our technicians are Renault trained with the latest technical information to ensure optimum performance of your vehicle. Renault dealerships are equipped with "CLIP” (World Diagnostic System) which allows them to check and program your vehicle management systems and computers for correct operation. The "CLIP” also allows for the latest system updates (where available) to be programmed into your vehicle computer systems to enhance performance in various areas such as engine and transmission. Only Renault dealerships can do this. Also, it is well recognised within the motor industry that vehicles with full franchise servicing, generally attract higher resale values when the time comes to trade.

Should you experience any difficulty with your vehicle during the warranty period and the cause is found to be a result of incorrect, or lack of scheduled maintenance servicing, then Renault will not be responsible for any damage that may occur and that you maintain proper service records and keep your receipts.

• Courtesy Car - Is a courtesy car available when my vehicle is being serviced or during warranty repair?

Most dealerships do have courtesy cars available. However, a fee may be charged. Please enquire when next making your booking. 

• Servicing Intervals - What are the scheduled service times?

Passenger Vehicles - You can find this information in your Customer Information Booklet under 'Service Information'.

Renault recommends vehicle servicing for:

Renault passenger vehicles including Laguna III and Koleos diesel service intervals are every 12 months of 15,000 km whichever is the earlier. Renault Sport Megane DCI, Clio 197 and Koleos petrol every 12 months or 10,000 km whichever is the earlier.

Commercial vehicles - you can find this information in your Customer Information Booklet under 'Service Information'.

Renault recommends vehicle servicing intervals for Trafic II, Master & Kangoo at every 12 months or 15,000 km whichever is the earlier.

• What are Renaults warranty terms?

All passenger & Commercial models are covered by a factory backed warranty of 3 years/100,000 km factory warranty.

• Can I extend my new car warranty?

There is currently no Genuine Renault Extended Warranty policy available.

• Is my warranty transferable if I decide to sell my Renault?

The Renault warranty is for the vehicle itself, not the owner, and as such will transfer with the vehicle to the new owner.