If you’re an experienced driver, you understand that at some point in time, your car may have starting problems. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers may have trouble determining if the alternator is failing, if the battery is dying, or if the starter is actually going out. You may find yourself wondering just how often should you replace your starter.
The good news is that the starter should not have to be replaced very often, if at all. It was designed to be used repeatedly under a variety of weather and road conditions. You should be able to count on the starter lasting at least 100,000 miles, if not for the entire life of the car.
Unfortunately, extreme driving conditions and poor car maintenance can all create starting problems, especially if you drive a lot of miles during the year. But, before replacing the starter, have the alternator and battery inspected as they could actually be the culprit of your starting problems.
If the battery and alternator have been ruled out as the problem, then the conclusion would be that the starter is failing. There are several things that can go bad in a starter:
- The brushes, gears, and coil windings inside the starter become too worn,
- The solenoid is bad, or
- Loose bolts prevent the starter from engaging when the key is turned in the ignition.
A word of advice: If your car is getting hard to start, whether intermittently or all the time, don’t keep forcing it. This will cause all the components, including the alternator and battery, to work extra hard at starting the car, eventually causing more damage.
Need to know more about how often should you replace your starter? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
If you’re an experienced driver, you understand that at some point in time, your car may have starting problems. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers may have trouble determining if the alternator is failing, if the battery is dying, or if the starter is actually going out. You may find yourself wondering just how often should you replace your starter.
The good news is that the starter should not have to be replaced very often, if at all. It was designed to be used repeatedly under a variety of weather and road conditions. You should be able to count on the starter lasting at least 100,000 miles, if not for the entire life of the car.
Unfortunately, extreme driving conditions and poor car maintenance can all create starting problems, especially if you drive a lot of miles during the year. But, before replacing the starter, have the alternator and battery inspected as they could actually be the culprit of your starting problems.
If the battery and alternator have been ruled out as the problem, then the conclusion would be that the starter is failing. There are several things that can go bad in a starter:
- The brushes, gears, and coil windings inside the starter become too worn,
- The solenoid is bad, or
- Loose bolts prevent the starter from engaging when the key is turned in the ignition.
A word of advice: If your car is getting hard to start, whether intermittently or all the time, don’t keep forcing it. This will cause all the components, including the alternator and battery, to work extra hard at starting the car, eventually causing more damage.
Need to know more about how often should you replace your starter? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
