What Does a Starter Do?
It takes a lot for your car to get up and running. In order to start, your engine needs a little boost from your starter. Your starter is a motor that’s powered by your battery, and it’s connected via a starter relay. This is why your car will refuse to start for you when your battery is dead, as the motor won’t have any power to pull from. Like any other part in your vehicle, your starter is eventually going to experience some wear and tear over time. If you think that it might be struggling, then it’s best to have your model inspected before it refuses to start entirely. If you’re near Kearny Mesa, Poway, or Oceanside, then you can stop by our service department at Toyota of Poway today.
How Do I Know If My Starter Is the Problem?
Most people blame the battery when their car refuses to start, but if you still have lights, then you still have power. The easiest way to tell if your starter is damaged is by listening closely. When you start your vehicle, you might hear a classic clicking noise. If your engine still doesn’t turn over but the noise continues, then that’s the sound of your starter struggling to do its job. While this part can die silently, it tends to make a lot of noise in most cases. You should also keep an eye out for any smoke coming from underneath the hood. Since this part is connected to your electrical system, you run the risk of overheating. Finally, you can always check it the old-fashioned way and pop the hood. Once you locate your starter, you should check for any signs of oil, as this can cause the part to quickly degrade.
Why Did My Starter Give Out?
There are a lot of things that can cause your starter to fail. Loose wiring or corroded connections can make it harder for your starter to draw power, so it may not be able to get the juice that it needs to start your engine. In older vehicles, oil can sometimes leak out of engines due to wear and tear. If that oil makes its way to your starter, it might begin to fail. You could also have a damaged starter relay, or damaged parts in general. While your starter is designed to last for a long time, that doesn’t mean that it’s going to last forever. If you’ve been driving your car for years, then it might have simply run its course. If you need a new starter, then our parts department at Toyota of Poway can help you find the starter that best suits your needs.
