SIGNS OF A FAILING STARTER

As the name suggests, the starter plays a critical role in powering your vehicle. The starter is typically attached to the engine or transmission, the starter functions as an electric motor that kickstarts a complex chain of events to start your car. So, what are the signs of a failing starter?

Starters fail for design, lack of maintenance, or plain wear and tear. An important step is to listen up! The sounds you hear and the time it takes to start your car can provide critical information. A failing starter will occasionally give a clicking noise when the ignition turns. You’re hearing the starter’s solenoid activating without the starter motor powering up. Grinding and whirring sounds could indicate that your starter components are becoming worn. If you continue to hear grinding and noise after you start your car, that may mean that your starter relay is stuck, which, if unaddressed, can lead to severe issues down the line.

We’ve discussed the audio. Now its time for some visual tips. Keep an eye out for is smoke coming from the front of your automobile. Smoke is an indicator that the electrical components of your starter are overheating. The grease or oil overheating provides the smoke you smell and see.

We want to remind you that these are just a few of the potential issues. The starter has a lot of moving parts. The starter motor, gear, or ignition switch can have faults. Intermittent starting, a weak crank, interior lights dimming, all of these could be potential signs.

We recommend bringing your vehicle to a quality automotive shop that can perform starting and charging tests to point you in the right direction if you have any issues. If you live in the Ashland or Hanover area and have any questions, look no further than Ferber’s Tire and Auto Service! Our ASE-certified technicians can get you back on the road!