One of the worst feelings to experience as a car owner is to turn the key and have nothing happen. While there are many reasons why your vehicle won’t start, the starter itself is often the culprit. Here are a few signs of a malfunctioning starter and when you need auto repairs.

How to Know You Have a Bad Starter

1. Grinding Sounds

As the starter wears out, it won’t engage correctly, which leads to an unpleasant, grinding sound as you turn the key. The flywheel could also be affected, which provides the engine with the appropriate inertia to start. 

2. On & Off Startup

Sometimes, your car might struggle to start—even though it starts normally at other times. Usually, this means a loose or dirty wire is interfering with the connection. In more severe cases, an electrical component is failing. Whenever you have sporadic starter trouble, it’s best to have a mechanic find the source of the problem and perform auto repairs.

3. Smoking Parts

Never ignore smoke emanating from your vehicle. Most times, if the starter is behind the smoke, too much power is filtering through the electrical supply to the component. Usually, there is a short or connection issue, or your car has been running hot for too long.

4. No Turnover

The term freewheeling refers to starting the car and only hearing a whiny sound—without the engine ever turning over. Most likely, there is a disconnect between the starter and the flywheel, which means you will need an auto repair expert to replace this part quickly.

5. Fluid Leak

Because of where the starter is located, it’s sometimes affected by leaks from engine oil and other vehicle fluids. This saturation will inevitably lead to a shorter life span for your starter gear. If you notice fluid leaks under your car, have it repaired quickly to stop an array of issues.

For help figuring out the issue with your starter in Chillicothe, Ross County, and southern Ohio, trust Muffler Brothers. This Jasper^®-preferred dealer brings more than 17 years of service to every client and can help with anything from oil changes and tire rotations to transmission and engine repairs. Their professional team ensures you understand everything about the repairs, and their regular coupons help offset the costs of surprises and breakdowns. To schedule an appointment for auto repairs, call (740) 772-1890 or visit their website.