What causes a car starter to go bad?

It can be extremely frustrating if your car fails to start. It forces you to turn the key several times, but in the end, nothing happens. Are you familiar with the situation? Virtually any individual who owns a car has encountered this phenomenon at one time or the other. So, what causes a car starter to go bad? Below are the most common reasons why your vehicle might not start:

1. Faulty electrical connections

If your car's wiring system is poorly done, it can cause the starter to fail. Faulty electrical connections won't supply your car's solenoid sufficient electricity required to start the vehicle. If this happens, you'll have to seek help from professionals who offer repair services for batteries, starters, and alternators.

2. Battery corrosion

If electrical connections from your car's battery get corroded, it can cause the starter to go bad. Due to corrosion, the starter can't receive enough power from the battery to enable your car to start. Apart from corroded battery terminals, other electrical connections, including faulty or undercharged batteries, can also cause a car starter to go bad. Eventually, the corrosion will drain battery power, slowing its functionality.

3. Overheating

More often than not, overheating problems in your vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat. If this happens, your starter's solenoid can get damaged, cutting off the power transmission from the battery to your car's starter. Eventually, overheating can affect the electromagnet within the motor, requiring you to replace your car's starter.

Conclusion

Are you still wondering what causes a car starter to go bad? If you detect or see signs that indicate your car's starter has issues, ensure you seek help from a professional to fix the matter before it goes out of hand. Please don't wait to get frustrated when your car fails to start due to an issue with its starter or alternators!

Wondering what causes a starter to go bad? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about starters and alternators and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.