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Understanding Starter Issues And Replacement Frequency

Keeping your starter in good condition is essential for smooth and fast ignitions. Like every other car component, it is vital to keep your eyes on it to determine how often you should replace it.

How Often Do Car Starters Need To Be Replaced?

Vehicle starters have lifespans of between 50,000 miles and 150,000 miles. Therefore, manufacturers and vehicle service professionals advise car owners to get theirs checked and replaced when their vehicles hit those mileages. However, your starter might die prematurely and require a replacement sooner because of leaking motor oil from the engine gasket or cylinder block and improper installation.

Other factors that affect starter replacement frequency include your vehicle’s age, driving conditions, starter quality, maintenance practices or frequencies, battery health, and proper starting procedures.

How To Determine Whether The Issue Is Coming From The Starter Or Alternator

Alternators, starters, and batteries work together to start the vehicle and keep it running as it should. However, that collaboration makes it difficult to know which one is the source of electrical issues.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the signs of issues with each.

Signs Of Starter Problems

  • Slow or no cranking when you turn your key
  • A loud clicking sound when you attempt to start the vehicle
  • Unusual whining or grinding sounds during starting
  • The headlights, instrument cluster, and radio work properly, but nothing happens after turning the key
  • The engine does not work after a jump start

Signs Of Bad Alternators

  • Illuminated check engine or check battery light
  • Squealing or grinding noises from under the hood
  • Very high or low readings from the voltage gauge
  • Your battery keeps dying even after a jump start when you unhook the jumper cables
  • Dim, flickering, or overly bright headlights
  • The power windows roll up slower than usual
  • Malfunctions of other electrical components like the radio and power seats

If you need help with how to carry out a diagnosis, visit a reputable vehicle service shop and have professional mechanics inspect your car. Besides identifying the issue, you can ask, "How often do car starters need to be replaced ?" based on your vehicle's condition and age.

Wondering how often do car starters need to be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about batteries, starters, and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.

About the Author

Bruce Lax

Bruce Lax

Owner & ASE-Certified Technician – Carlax Quality Automotive, Palmdale, CA

Bruce Lax, owner of Carlax Quality Automotive, brings over 41 years of hands-on experience caring for vehicles. Since opening in 1990, Carlax has serviced more than 38,000 cars—thanks, in no small part, to Bruce’s commitment to honest service, integrity, and customer satisfaction. When he’s not under the hood, Bruce enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

View Bruce's Full Profile →

Wondering how often do car starters need to be replaced? Contact the experts at Carlax Quality Automotive for questions about alternators.

Understanding Starter Issues And Replacement Frequency

Keeping your starter in good condition is essential for smooth and fast ignitions. Like every other car component, it is vital to keep your eyes on it to determine how often you should replace it.

How Often Do Car Starters Need To Be Replaced?

Vehicle starters have lifespans of between 50,000 miles and 150,000 miles. Therefore, manufacturers and vehicle service professionals advise car owners to get theirs checked and replaced when their vehicles hit those mileages. However, your starter might die prematurely and require a replacement sooner because of leaking motor oil from the engine gasket or cylinder block and improper installation.

Other factors that affect starter replacement frequency include your vehicle’s age, driving conditions, starter quality, maintenance practices or frequencies, battery health, and proper starting procedures.

How To Determine Whether The Issue Is Coming From The Starter Or Alternator

Alternators, starters, and batteries work together to start the vehicle and keep it running as it should. However, that collaboration makes it difficult to know which one is the source of electrical issues.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the signs of issues with each.

Signs Of Starter Problems

  • Slow or no cranking when you turn your key
  • A loud clicking sound when you attempt to start the vehicle
  • Unusual whining or grinding sounds during starting
  • The headlights, instrument cluster, and radio work properly, but nothing happens after turning the key
  • The engine does not work after a jump start

Signs Of Bad Alternators

  • Illuminated check engine or check battery light
  • Squealing or grinding noises from under the hood
  • Very high or low readings from the voltage gauge
  • Your battery keeps dying even after a jump start when you unhook the jumper cables
  • Dim, flickering, or overly bright headlights
  • The power windows roll up slower than usual
  • Malfunctions of other electrical components like the radio and power seats

If you need help with how to carry out a diagnosis, visit a reputable vehicle service shop and have professional mechanics inspect your car. Besides identifying the issue, you can ask, "How often do car starters need to be replaced ?" based on your vehicle's condition and age.

Wondering how often do car starters need to be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about batteries, starters, and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.

About the Author

Bruce Lax

Bruce Lax

Owner & ASE-Certified Technician – Carlax Quality Automotive, Palmdale, CA

Bruce Lax, owner of Carlax Quality Automotive, brings over 41 years of hands-on experience caring for vehicles. Since opening in 1990, Carlax has serviced more than 38,000 cars—thanks, in no small part, to Bruce’s commitment to honest service, integrity, and customer satisfaction. When he’s not under the hood, Bruce enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

View Bruce's Full Profile →

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