5 Signs Your Car Key Needs Replacing Before It Fails
Modern car keys do a lot more than just unlock doors. They interact with immobilisers, onboard computers, alarms, and ignition systems and when they fail, you’re not going anywhere.
At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we’re often called out by drivers who didn’t realise their key was failing until it was too late. With colder weather and winter strain just around the corner, it’s a smart time to check your keys and act early if anything seems off.
Here are five key warning signs your vehicle key may be on its last legs.
1. Physical Wear or Damage
If your key looks bent, chipped, or worn down, it might not be making proper contact with the lock or ignition barrel. Over time, worn keys can even damage the barrel itself, turning a small fix into a costly repair.
What to do:
Get a replacement cut while the original still works. This ensures an accurate copy without further wear.
2. Inconsistent Starting or Locking
If your key works sometimes but not others, it’s likely beginning to fail. This is common with keys that contain transponders or remote locking buttons. Moisture, internal corrosion, and circuit board fatigue can all cause intermittent issues.
What to do:
Book in for a diagnostic. We can test the key, battery, and transponder to catch the fault early.
3. Remote Buttons Aren’t Responding
If your lock/unlock buttons are sticking or stop working entirely, the internal contacts may be failing. While sometimes this is just a battery issue, it's often due to internal wear.
What to do:
Try a battery change first and if that doesn’t fix it, get the remote inspected or replaced.
4. The Key No Longer Turns Smoothly
If the key is starting to feel rough when inserted into the ignition or lock, or it doesn’t turn as easily, it could be wearing down or misaligned. This is a sign that either the key or barrel is failing and ignoring it can lead to a snapped key or complete lockout.
What to do:
Stop using it and get a new key cut before it fails entirely.
5. You Only Have One Key Left
This isn’t a fault but it is a serious vulnerability. If your one and only key is lost, broken, or stolen, recovery becomes far more difficult and expensive.
What to do:
Get a spare key made immediately. It’s far more cost-effective than emergency recovery and programming.
Why Replace Keys Early?
Avoid last-minute emergencies
Prevent damage to ignition barrels and locks
Save money compared to full lock and ECU replacements
Be prepared for weather-related key faults in winter
Rush Auto Locksmiths Are Ready to Help — 24/7
If you're in Blackpool or anywhere across North West Lancashire, Rush Auto Locksmiths are on hand to cut, program, or replace vehicle keys quickly, including smart keys, transponders, and remote fobs.
We operate 365 days a year in all weather, providing:
Key diagnostics and repair
Spare key creation
Full replacement and programming
On-site service at home, work, or roadside
📞 Call 07482 546011 or visit rushautolocksmiths.co.uk to book now.
Land Rover spare key creation
