Car starter acts as the heart of your vehicle’s ignition system. But most first time car owner don’t know enough about the car starter, its function, lifetime, replacement procedure and cost. Our guide will help you to solve the mystery surrounding car starters whether it is operating, selecting, maintenance or anything else.
Table of Contents:
– What is a car starter?
– What does a car starter do?
– How to choose a car starter
– How long do car starters last?
– How to replace a car starter
– How much are car starters?
What is a car starter?
A starter, also known as a starting motor, is an electric motor whose purpose is to start your car. It is essential to the mechanism that drives the engine. When activated by the ignition, the starter rotates the engine at the speed required for the fuel and air mixture to ignite and maintain combustion. Modern cars use a gear reduction starter generating high torque at a low speed, allowing the engine to start up without draining the battery.
What does a car starter do?
A car starter’s purpose is to convert battery electrical energy into mechanical energy. It works as follows: when the ignition switch is turned, a signal goes through the starter relay to the starter motor. The motor drives a pinion gear that engages with the engine’s flywheel and turns it to start the combustion of the fuel and air mixture. The result is the roar of an engine, which in turn produces energy and moves the car. Without a working starter, the engine does nothing on its own.
How to choose a car starter
When buying a car starter, you should take into account lots of things. Based on what vehicle you have, the size of the engine and also the kind of towing you will use, you must stick to certain specifications.
It is crucial to consider the quality of a starter. The person can make a difference. Reliability is important, as is the length of the warranty.
Ask your local mechanic or find guidance in the owner’s manual.
How long do car starters last?
However, the longevity of a car starter depends on driving habits, the type of vehicle, and the care given to it. It lasts approximately between 100,000 to 150,000 miles before wearing out. Short trips and cold weather have an adverse effect on the life of a starter. Meanwhile, inspecting the starter periodically and promptly replacing worn parts will increase the chances of your starter lasting longer.
How to replace a car starter
A car starter can be a challenging part to replace, so you should first be able to understand the electrical and mechanical systems of your car. It usually involves the removal of a car battery, disconnecting electrical parts and bolts holding the old starter, and then installing the new one. You should then ensure the starter will not be displaced because of vibration and reattach all the electrical connections. Be sure to call a mechanic if the repair is new to you.
How much are car starters?
Price of a car starter depends on the car make model and the quality of starter. Pricing can vary from 50$ to 350$ for the part only and 80$- 200$ with labour. Higher quality or performance starters can raise the price, but they might prolong the life and operate better for your car. When replacing you should consider your budget and what’s best for you car.
Conclusion
Car starters play a major role in the ignition of your car. Understanding how they work, which one to purchase, when it has gone bad and what they cost will help keep your vehicle in perfect driving condition. Here’s how to keep your car starter in tip-top shape. What Does a Starter Do? Your car starter turns your car over and provides the power needed to start your engine. Without a properly functioning starter, your engine will not turn over. Various electronic and mechanical components make up your starter.
