What an Advance Auto Starter Does
An Advance Auto starter is an electric motor that turns your engine over when you turn the key or press the start button. It draws power from your battery, engages with the engine's flywheel, and spins it fast enough for the engine to fire up. Once the engine starts, the starter disengages automatically and stops drawing power.
The starter is one of the few electrical parts in your car that works under extreme stress every time you drive. It has to produce enough force to overcome the engine's compression, which is why starters fail more often than many other components. When a starter goes bad, your car will crank slowly, make a grinding noise, or not turn over at all.
Key Takeaways
- A starter is an electric motor powered by your battery that spins your engine to start it, and it disengages once the engine fires.
- Common signs of starter failure include a clicking sound when you turn the key, a grinding noise, or no sound at all when you try to start.
- Starters typically last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, but can fail sooner if your battery is weak or if you live in a hot climate.
- Replacement starters come as new, remanufactured, or rebuilt units, each with different price points and warranty coverage.
- A professional mechanic can diagnose whether your starter has failed or whether the problem is your battery or alternator instead.
How to Recognize a Failing Starter
The most common sign of starter trouble is a clicking sound when you turn the key. One rapid click usually means your battery is too weak to power the starter fully. Multiple rapid clicks in a row suggest the starter motor itself is failing and cannot engage properly.
A grinding noise when you start the car means the starter gear is not meshing smoothly with the engine's flywheel. This happens when the starter is wearing out or when the flywheel teeth are damaged. Grinding is a sign to stop trying to start the car and have it inspected, because repeated attempts can cause more damage.
If you turn the key and hear nothing at all — no click, no crank, no sound from the engine bay — the starter may be completely dead. However, this can also mean your battery is completely discharged or your battery terminals are corroded, so those should be checked first.
Why Starters Fail and How Long They Last
A starter is designed to run for short bursts, usually just a few seconds each time you start your car. Over time, the internal brushes and contacts wear down, the solenoid (the electromagnet that engages the starter gear) weakens, or the motor bearings fail. Most starters last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, but the actual lifespan depends on how often you drive, how you start your car, and the climate where you live.
Hot climates wear starters out faster because heat breaks down the internal insulation and lubricants. Frequent short trips, where you start the car many times without letting it run long, also shorten starter life. If your battery is weak or corroded, your starter has to work harder each time you turn the key, which accelerates wear.
Jump-starting your car repeatedly can also damage a starter. When you jump-start, you are forcing current through the starter motor that may exceed what it was designed to handle. If you find yourself needing jump-starts often, the real problem is usually your battery or alternator, not the starter.
New, Remanufactured, and Rebuilt Starters: What the Difference Means
When you need a replacement starter, you will encounter three options, each with a different price and warranty. A new starter is manufactured fresh and comes with the longest warranty, usually three years or more. New starters cost the most but have no hidden wear.
A remanufactured starter has been taken apart, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt to like-new condition by the manufacturer or a certified rebuilder. Worn parts are replaced with new ones. Remanufactured starters typically come with a one- to three-year warranty and cost less than new units. They perform as well as new starters if they come from a reputable rebuilder.
A rebuilt starter is similar to remanufactured but may have been rebuilt by a local shop rather than the original manufacturer. Rebuilt starters are the cheapest option but often come with shorter warranties — sometimes only 30 or 90 days. The quality depends entirely on who did the work, so rebuilt starters carry more risk.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Replacement
Your car's make, model, year, and engine size all determine which starter you need. A starter for a 2015 Honda Civic will not fit a 2015 Ford F-150, even though both are from the same year. When you order a starter, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready, or let the parts counter look it up for you.
Some vehicles have more than one starter option depending on the engine. For example, a car with a standard transmission may use a different starter than the same model with an automatic. The parts counter will ask which transmission you have to make sure they give you the right one.
Before you buy, confirm the warranty. New starters usually have the best coverage, but remanufactured units from major rebuilders like Bosch or Remy often have warranties just as good. Ask whether the warranty covers parts only or parts and labor, and whether it is transferable if you sell the car.
Installation: DIY or Professional Help
Starter replacement is a job that ranges from straightforward to difficult depending on your car's design. On some vehicles, the starter bolts to the engine block in a spot you can reach from underneath or from the engine bay, and the job takes an hour or two. On others, the starter is buried deep in the engine compartment or wedged between the engine and transmission, requiring the removal of other parts first.
If you have mechanical experience and the right tools, you can replace a starter yourself on many vehicles. You will need a socket set, wrenches, and possibly a jack and jack stands if you need to work underneath. You will also need to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start, to avoid electrical shock or short circuits.
If you are not comfortable working under the hood, a mechanic can handle the job. Labor costs vary widely depending on how accessible the starter is on your vehicle — anywhere from one hour to four hours of shop time. Getting a quote before you authorize the work will help you understand the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bad battery look like a bad starter?
Yes. A weak or dead battery will cause slow cranking and clicking sounds that feel like starter failure. The difference is that a bad battery affects all electrical systems — your lights will be dim, your radio will be quiet — while a bad starter only affects starting. A mechanic can test your battery and starter separately to know which one is the problem.
Is it safe to keep driving if my starter is grinding?
You can drive the car if it starts, but do not keep trying to start it if you hear grinding. Each attempt can damage the flywheel teeth or the starter gear further, making the repair more expensive. Have it towed or driven to a mechanic as soon as possible instead of repeatedly trying to start it.
How much does a starter replacement usually cost?
The cost depends on your vehicle, the type of starter you choose, and whether you do the work yourself. A new starter part alone ranges from $200 to $600 for most cars. Labor at a shop adds $150 to $400 on top of that. Remanufactured starters cost less upfront but may have shorter warranties.
What is the difference between a solenoid and a starter?
The solenoid is a small electromagnet inside or attached to the starter that engages the starter gear with the engine's flywheel. The starter is the whole assembly — the motor, the solenoid, the gear, and the housing. Some starters fail because the solenoid stops working, while others fail because the motor itself wears out.
Can I replace just the solenoid instead of the whole starter?
On some older vehicles, the solenoid is bolted on separately and can be replaced alone. On most modern cars, the solenoid is built into the starter housing and cannot be replaced separately. A mechanic can tell you whether your starter's solenoid is replaceable or whether you need a whole new starter.