So your car wouldn’t start this morning, and you don’t know how to tell if your car starter is bad, if the alternatoris failing, or if the car battery is dead. Here are some relatively easy ways to figure it out . . .

The Starter —

• Your car doesn’t start as quickly as it once did. Some days it clicks a few times and requires a couple of turns before it starts. Chances are your starter is starting to fail.
• There is a single loud click when you turn the key.  Your starter has probably given out and you should plan on having it replaced.

The Battery —

• Your car doesn’t start at all!  The battery may just not be packing enough juice to start your vehicle, or maybe you left your headlights on all night. Or maybe the battery is just old and needs to be replaced.

The Alternator —

• The alternator warning light (it looks like a car battery) illuminates on the dashboard.  If that light comes on, your alternator is not working and your vehicle is running strictly off the battery. This won’t last long, so pay a visit to your auto shop as soon as possible.

Wondering how long does a car starter last?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at MOTEC Auto Care today for more information about car starters and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in San Diego, CA, and the surrounding area.