1998
Entered the locksmith industry
Mike developed a professional trade foundation through established locksmith operations in South East Queensland.
Mike Manning · Trade-qualified automotive locksmith
About NEED CAR KEYS
NEED CAR KEYS is operated by Mike Manning, a trade-qualified locksmith with 28+ years of hands-on locksmith experience. Mike provides specialised mobile automotive locksmith services across the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, with a strong focus on modern vehicle keys, transponders, remotes, smart proximity systems and automotive lock problems.
You deal directly with Mike from the initial enquiry through to the work at your vehicle. He can assess the vehicle, explain the available options and carry out suitable cutting, programming, entry or lock work where the vehicle and system are supported.
- Trade qualified
- 28+ years experience
- QLD licensed
- Mobile service
28+
years of locksmith experience
Mike Manning · Automotive Locksmith
Trade-qualified experience since 1998
Mike entered the locksmith industry in 1998, initially gaining experience through established South East Queensland locksmith businesses, including companies associated with the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.
His trade foundation developed across mechanical key cutting, lock servicing and vehicle security before automotive systems became increasingly electronic. Modern car-key work can now involve transponder chips, immobilisers, remote central locking, smart proximity keys, body control modules and manufacturer-specific programming procedures.
Mike combines traditional locksmith knowledge with ongoing automotive security experience to help identify whether a problem is caused by the key, remote, lock, ignition, vehicle battery, immobiliser or another part of the starting system.
2000s
Automotive security expanded
Worked across mechanical keys, transponders, remotes, immobilisers and the growing range of electronically programmed vehicle keys.
Today
Specialised mobile car-key service
Mike provides focused mobile automotive locksmith support across the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast for supported vehicles.
What customers can expect
Straightforward advice and vehicle-specific solutions
Car-key jobs vary significantly between makes, models, years and security systems. The aim is to identify the correct procedure before attendance and explain any important limitations clearly.
Direct communication
You communicate directly with Mike, the locksmith carrying out the work, helping reduce confusion about the vehicle, key type and required service.
Accurate identification
Vehicle details, dashboard photos and existing-key photos are used to identify the likely system and prepare the correct equipment.
Mobile convenience
Where the vehicle and system are supported, cutting and programming can often be completed at your home, workplace or vehicle location.
Clear limitations
Some vehicles require genuine keys, security codes, module work or dealer-level procedures. These requirements are explained when identified.
Automotive locksmith services
Specialised help for car keys, locks and ignitions
Service availability depends on the exact vehicle, key system, location and required procedure.
Lost car keys
Replacement keys can be originated and programmed for many supported vehicles even when no working key remains.
Lost car-key servicesReplacement car keys
Remote, transponder, flip and other replacement keys supplied, cut and programmed for many vehicle makes and models.
Replacement car keysSpare car keys
Adding a spare while one key still works can often be simpler and less costly than an all-keys-lost replacement later.
Spare car keysSmart proximity keys
Supply and programming for many push-button start and proximity-key vehicles, subject to system compatibility.
Smart car keysKeys locked in the car
Professional vehicle entry for many cars when the key is locked inside the cabin, boot or load area.
Vehicle unlockingIgnition lock repairs
Diagnosis and repair options for many worn, jammed or damaged automotive ignition locks and key barrels.
Ignition lock repairMobile service coverage
Gold Coast and Tweed Coast automotive locksmith
NEED CAR KEYS is based on the Gold Coast and provides mobile automotive locksmith service throughout many Gold Coast and Tweed Coast suburbs. Travel, after-hours availability and appointment timing depend on workload and the type of work required.
- Robina
- Mudgeeraba
- Burleigh Heads
- Southport
- Surfers Paradise
- Coomera
- Coolangatta
- Tweed Heads
About the service
Frequently asked questions
How long has Mike Manning worked in the locksmith industry?
Mike Manning has worked in the locksmith industry since 1998, providing 28+ years of practical trade experience by 2026.
Is NEED CAR KEYS a mobile service?
Yes. NEED CAR KEYS attends vehicles across the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, subject to the vehicle, service required and appointment availability.
Do you work on every vehicle?
No automotive locksmith can complete every procedure on every model. Compatibility depends on the make, model, year, key system, software access, required parts and the vehicle's condition. Vehicle details are checked before confirming the job where possible.
Can you replace a key when every key is lost?
Often yes. For many supported vehicles, a new key can be originated and programmed without an original working key. Some vehicles require additional security procedures, module work or genuine components.
What information should I send for a quote?
Send the vehicle make, model, year, location, whether a working key remains, what happened to the original key and clear photos of the key or dashboard where possible.
Need help with a car key or vehicle lock?
Send the vehicle details and photos for a more accurate assessment, or call to discuss the problem.