Everything you wanted to know about car starter motors but had no one to ask

We all know that the key activates the car's starter motor, which in turn cranks the engine so you can get going. But there's so much about how it works and how to deal with faults that we'd all like to understand, without knowing who to ask.

Here are some common questions about a car's charging and starting systems, with answers worth remembering:

The car's starter motor isn't working. What should I do?

First, check the battery, since a weak battery often means the starter doesn't get enough power. It's also important to check for disconnected or loose cables.

If the cause of the fault can't be found easily, there may be a problem with the starter itself, and you should see an auto electrician for professional diagnosis and repair.

Is there any preventive maintenance that will extend the life of the alternator and starter motor?

Not really. Both are made up of quite a few parts that wear over time simply by working, so naturally their lifespan is limited.

Still, it's a good idea to check the battery from time to time and to watch out for loose or disconnected cables.

You should also pay attention to unusual noises when starting. If there is an abnormal noise while starting, turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage, then open the hood and try to locate the source of the noise. Such a noise can have many causes, such as a broken brush or spring in the starter, a weak battery, or voltage drop between the battery and the starter. It's best to see an auto electrician to fix the fault before it gets worse and becomes a serious problem.

Can I start the car with jumper cables or a booster and then keep driving?

In a modern car, if the battery is completely dead, you can't keep driving, because the dead battery will pull the alternator's charging voltage down so far that the engine can't run properly.

In an older car, on the other hand, it's possible to get around a starting problem for a short while, for example by push-starting a car with a manual gearbox, and keep driving. But you should bring the car to an auto electrician as soon as possible to find and fix the fault.