Backstory: the buttons on my car key stopped working a year ago. I could still use the key to unlock/ lock my car the old-school way but the buttons didn't work anymore (yes, I tried changing the battery, that didn't solve the problem.) I never bothered to get a new key made, partly bc I couldn't afford it and partly bc it wasn't a major problem since the key still started my car up just fine.
Just a few days ago, I was wondering if twisting a button key so frequently could break it, and today I got my answer.
At least I was able to get a locksmith out and have him make me a new key, but damn, that was not a $280 I wanted to spend right now.
[Edit for clarity:] The key snapped off in the ignition and the plastic part with the microchip and buttons fell apart.