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Car starters are powerful electric motors that start your engine when you turn the key to start your car. Starters feature a motor with an attached solenoid. The solenoid's job is to transfer power from the battery and ensure it gets to the starter motor. Additionally, it drives the starter gear forward.
Starters do deteriorate or fail over time. However, they display several apparent warning signs before they stop working, and mechanics may ask you about when you take your car into an auto repair shop.
Signs of a Failing Starter
Your starter will often exemplify one or more of the following signs before it actually fails. The more understanding you have of the problem, the easier it'll be to draw from these observations when the mechanic asks you about the car issue. Here are the top signs of a failing starter:
- Slow Cranking
- Car Starts Intermittently
- Interior Lights Dim When You Attempt to Start Car
- Grinding Noises
- Engine Whines
- Starter Continues to Run After Starting Engine
- Burning Smell
- Smoke
- Oil Leak on Starter
What Happens If You Fail to Repair the Starter?
Several things could come about if you don't take the course of action to have someone repair or replace your failing starter. The strongest possibilities include:
- Electrical system damage
- Dim lighting
- Damage to your transmission or engine
- Battery drainage
- The vehicle won't be able to start at all
Along with damaging other critical components in your vehicle and leading to more expensive repairs, starter failure can leave you stranded. Not only is that a scary situation to be in, but you have to stress finding a tow and paying for its cost. Therefore it is always best to address the problem before it escalates into something worse. For all your automotive repair and maintenance needs, please call or visit Prospect Lake Auto Care today!