Can the ETC card be pulled out?
4 Answers
ETC cards can be removed when not in use, but be careful not to pull them out during use, otherwise the ETC system will not work properly. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, and minimizing pollution; Cost-saving: reduces vehicle start-up and braking frequency, lowering wear and fuel consumption, and users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. How ETC works: Through dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used for back-end settlement processing with the bank, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay fees.
Having driven for so many years, I often remove the ETC card to check or clean it, which is perfectly fine. The ETC card is designed to be removable for easy replacement or maintenance. But I must remind you not to constantly remove and reinsert it, as each insertion and removal can wear down the metal contacts on the card. Over time, this may lead to poor contact and cause the ETC device to malfunction. It's recommended to only operate it when necessary, such as when upgrading the card or gently removing it to deal with dust. The ETC system is quite convenient, automatically deducting fees at toll stations, saving both time and money. I've also encountered issues with the device's battery draining after removing the card, so it's best to leave it in place to charge. Just keep the card inserted during normal times for a more worry-free drive.
As a tech-savvy car owner, I've found that the ETC card can be completely removed. I often take it out to take photos or test new devices. This design is quite smart—if you change cars or want to temporarily stop using it, removing the card is quick and easy. But a word of caution: don’t pull it out while driving, as it can distract you or even affect the accuracy of the toll deduction. After removing the card, the built-in battery in the ETC device can last a little while, but if you're not using it for a long time, it's best to store the card separately to avoid draining the battery. Combining it with mobile payments and linking it to an app for automatic deductions is even more efficient. From personal experience, occasionally removing the card is fine, but doing it too frequently might damage the device—like how my Xiaomi ETC’s card slot broke after too much fiddling.
After years of repairing cars, I've seen many car enthusiasts encounter issues from randomly removing their ETC cards. The card can be removed, and the insertion/removal operation isn't difficult, but excessive handling can easily damage the contacts or deform the slot. It's advisable not to operate it unless necessary. When cleaning, gently pull it out and then reinsert it, ensuring the direction is correct to avoid reverse insertion. ETC operates on RFID technology; if the card is damaged, the signal can be lost, leading to toll station payment failures. Simple maintenance includes regularly checking the slot for dust and using a cotton swab to clean it when necessary. Don't forget that the original card box is designed to be shockproof and crush-resistant, offering much better protection than randomly removing the card.
