Eight Signs Your Car’s Starter Is Failing
The car’s starter is the mechanism that cranks the engine to get it going. It’s imperative to fix a failing or malfunctioning starter ASAP. To determine whether your car’s starter could be failing, here are eight signs that the starter may need repair.
1. My Car Won’t Start
The biggest tip your car’s starter isn’t working is your car doesn’t turn on when you turn the key or push the start button. Maybe you hear a clicking or clanking, or maybe nothing at all. Either way, there’s clearly an issue. You should bring your automobile in for car repair as soon as possible.
2. My Car Is Making a Grinding Noise
A grinding noise when you try to start your car is a surefire signal your starter is failing. If you hear such a noise when starting your car, stop by HEART Certified Auto Care for an inspection.
3. My Car Engine is Whining
If you hear a whining noise, and your car isn’t cranking, it likely means your starter isn’t connecting with the flywheel, which is what gets the engine going. You probably need a new starter. Call or come by HEART Certified Auto Care. We carry an extensive stock of car parts, and we fix 98% of cars on the same day they’re brought in!
4. My car Engine is Smoking
Smoke coming from your car’s engine is obviously a concern. It can indicate a few problems, one of which is a faulty car starter or starting circuit. It could mean there’s too much power flowing into the starter, overloading it, or it could be that your car needs a rest. The only way to know for sure is to bring it to a trusted auto repair shop near you. It may seem inconvenient, but it’s far less so than breaking down on the side of the road!
5. Did My Oil Leak onto My Starter?
Possibly. Starters are housed at the bottom of your engine system. If you have an oil leak, they can be coated in oil, which could mean your starter is too moist to function properly. If your starter isn’t working, it may be an oil leak. Come to HEART Certified Auto Care, and we’ll have you back on the road again in no time.
6. My Car’s Interior Lights are Dim
Dimming dash or interior lights could indicate a problem. It may be a short circuit in your starter wiring, causing your starter to draw too much energy, leaving less for other systems. If your lights dim when starting your car, especially if there’s a chugging sign, there’s a good chance you need a new starter.
7. My Car Engine Starter Won’t Stop
This is certainly an odd occurrence: you’ve turned on your car but the starter keeps clicking. It still sounds like it’s starting. If that happens, it’s probably your electrical system, which is a serious car problem and should be fixed immediately.
8. My Car Engine is Clanking
Usually a car comes to life as soon as you turn the key. If there’s a delay or strain, you likely have a problem with your car starter and need car repair. Don’t worry, though, it’s an easy fix, and we at HEART Certified Auto Care can get you in and out before you know it. Simply visit one of our three locations for our exclusive 33-point inspection.
If you experience these or any other odd car problems, call or visit HEART Northbrook, HEART Wilmette, or HEART Evanston today!
