Many drivers may have experienced starting problems with their car at some point in time. Hopefully, you paid attention to the warning signs, such as grinding or clicking sounds when turning the key and you were able to head to our auto shop. However, if you ignored these warnings, you may have found yourself stranded somewhere unexpectedly waiting for a tow truck. Or, there may not have been any warning signs at all, and one day, your car wouldn’t start! Your first thoughts were that either the battery died or the alternator failed.
Ask your mechanic to check the condition of the alternator and battery before replacing the car starter. Your starting problem may actually be caused by a bad alternator and a weak battery. Don’t waste your money replacing the starter until the alternator and battery have been ruled out as the source of the problem.
If your mechanic has determined that the starter has bone bad, you may be wondering just how often should you replace your car starter? Car starters have actually been designed to last for many miles, for at least 100,000, and even for the lifetime of your vehicle.
However, there are some situations that can cause the starter to go bad, such as:
- The brushes, gears, and coil windings of the starter are worn out,
- The solenoid has gone bad,
- Loose bolts prevent the starter from engaging when the key is turned, causing damage to the flywheel in the starter,
- High mileage on your vehicle,
- Continually driving over rough roads, and
- Lack of quality vehicle maintenance.
A word of advice: If you are having starting problems, don’t keep forcing your car to start. You may cause damage to alternator and battery as well by putting extra stress on its capabilities.
Have more questions about how often should you replace your car starter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about starters, alternators, and batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.
About the Author
Many drivers may have experienced starting problems with their car at some point in time. Hopefully, you paid attention to the warning signs, such as grinding or clicking sounds when turning the key and you were able to head to our auto shop. However, if you ignored these warnings, you may have found yourself stranded somewhere unexpectedly waiting for a tow truck. Or, there may not have been any warning signs at all, and one day, your car wouldn’t start! Your first thoughts were that either the battery died or the alternator failed.
Ask your mechanic to check the condition of the alternator and battery before replacing the car starter. Your starting problem may actually be caused by a bad alternator and a weak battery. Don’t waste your money replacing the starter until the alternator and battery have been ruled out as the source of the problem.
If your mechanic has determined that the starter has bone bad, you may be wondering just how often should you replace your car starter? Car starters have actually been designed to last for many miles, for at least 100,000, and even for the lifetime of your vehicle.
However, there are some situations that can cause the starter to go bad, such as:
- The brushes, gears, and coil windings of the starter are worn out,
- The solenoid has gone bad,
- Loose bolts prevent the starter from engaging when the key is turned, causing damage to the flywheel in the starter,
- High mileage on your vehicle,
- Continually driving over rough roads, and
- Lack of quality vehicle maintenance.
A word of advice: If you are having starting problems, don’t keep forcing your car to start. You may cause damage to alternator and battery as well by putting extra stress on its capabilities.
Have more questions about how often should you replace your car starter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about starters, alternators, and batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.
About the Author
