Top Signs Your Car Key Needs Replacing (Before You Get Stranded)

A car key rarely fails overnight. There are always warning signs — but many drivers ignore them until it’s too late. Spotting the symptoms early means you can get a replacement before being stranded.

5 Warning Signs

1. Physical Damage – Cracked casing, bent blade, or loose buttons.
2. Intermittent Starting – Engine sometimes doesn’t recognise the chip.
3. Remote Problems – Range has shortened or buttons are unresponsive.
4. Delayed Response – Unlock/lock commands take longer.
5. Complete Failure – Battery swap doesn’t help, the key is dead.

What To Do Next

If your key shows any of these issues:

• Get a spare car key made before the original fails completely.
• Consider a full replacement service if damage is visible.
• If you’ve lost all keys, read: What To Do If You’ve Lost All Your Car Keys.

👉 Don’t wait until your key fails completely. Call 0494 149 841 for on-site key cutting and programming across the Gold Coast.