Probably one of the most frustrating car breakages that could happen to anyone is that of the car starter.
What would you feel if you were in a hurry to go to school or to work and you tried starting your car and it won’t? What if you have tried clicking and clicking the key but still to no avail? It sure is an experience no car owner would want to encounter.
The thing is, this kind of car dispute can happen to anyone and to any vehicle, especially for vehicles that have been used for a long time or vehicles that are used every day for work or for business services.
So to avoid future frustrations, you must use your foresight and think of the possible repair or replacement.
This is where the expenses come in. So now you may be asking, “How much does a starter cost?”
On a good estimate, the cost to replace starters ranges from around $40 to around $250. This price range is only for the labour fees that you have to hand your mechanic. But if you are certain that you could do this with no help from a professional, you will only have to pay around $120 to $850 for the car starter prices.
So in a nut shell, how much does a starter cost?
The answer: You will need to spend around $160 to $1,100 when you visit an auto repair shop for this type of service.
Car Diagnosis: Is the Car Starter Really the Problem?
It is easy to say that the starter is the cause of your frustration, but are you really certain that it is? Unless you are a car junkie or a mechanic yourself, it is still more advantageous to double check your diagnosis before spending money having someone to take a look at it.
What are the real signs of a car starter breakage?
According to repairpal.com, “If only a ‘click’ is heard when trying to start the vehicle, the battery may be low, battery connections may be dirty or loose, or the starter solenoid may have failed. The entire starting and charging system should be inspected before replacing the starter.”
Of course, you would not want to pay for a car starter replacement if what you should be paying for is a battery replacement. The costs of these two are entirely different.
To avoid misdiagnosis, have an expert take a look at the problem first.
Repair.com also stated that there are vehicles that contain electronically coded ignition. This means that these cars could only be having system problems that are similar but not equal to a faulty starter.
Again, consult a professional and consider the type of vehicle before doing any repair or replacement, to avoid wasting time and money.
Is it a Repair or a Replacement?
In all types of car breakage, the first thing you need to identify is whether your vehicle needs a repair or an auto part replacement. This should be decided upon during your first visit to the auto store.
Have your most trusted mechanic do a careful assessment so as to check the car starter’s condition. Then, ask him about the degree of damage or wear and tear and whether the problem can be solved with a repair.
If otherwise, and he advises that the parts need replacement, then set the appointment and ask for an estimate of the charges or a quotation.
A basic repair is supposed to cost you less than a complete replacement. If you are lucky (or a good negotiator), you can even have it done for free if the damage is not that bad. This is also why it is better to hire someone you already know.
For a basic repair, you may choose to do the fixing on your own if you have the necessary tools. But if it needs immediate replacement, and if you are in need of having it done in a rush, then you better hand over the job to the expert.
Note that the degree of work to be done is also dependent on the type of car that you have. Is it an automatic vehicle or manual? These two, especially the newer models, differ in starter kit composition, so they will also differ in breakage.
Doing it Yourself Versus Asking for Repair or Replacement
When faced with this kind of situation, most people think that it is always a battle between a less costly DIY and a convenient repair service. Of course, any car owner would want to have the best of both worlds; however, only one option is usually left for grabs.
If you have the luxury of the time, the tools, and of course the determination, then, by all means, start your DIY project. It would be best to have someone guide you if it is your first time. But if there is no one to call and you are stuck in an emergency situation, then you may browse the Internet for some step-by-step guide.
According to popularmechanics.com on their article about car starter motor repair, “Starter motor failure is rarely caused by a blown or shorted motor itself—usually, it’s a problem with the Bendix mechanism or the solenoid. And frankly, most people will never need to replace a starter motor for the life of their vehicle.”
The purchase of parts will still depend on the availability of the starter model, though. There are some starter motors that are rather rare or hard to find.
It is fairly easy to purchase it from the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle itself. They may even offer promos or discounts to go with it.
Where to Ask for Repair
Your Mechanic is one of the most trusted, go-to repair shops in the US. They are currently offering a 12-month warranty for the repair which is inclusive of the labour fees and the car starter prices. In total, the cost to replace starters in their shop runs from $185 to $750.