To get your car up and running, your starting motor has to be in the best condition; otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to move.
So, if your starter malfunctions, will AutoZone test the starter for you? If you’d like to learn the answer, keep reading this article to see what I discovered!
Can AutoZone Test a Starter In [currentyear]?
AutoZone will test your vehicle’s starter if you have problems with the ignition system. Every AutoZone store in the U.S. will check your starter as part of its free testing package in [currentyear]. Additionally, the testing process takes a few minutes and can be easily replaced if it’s too damaged.
For more information about AutoZone and its starter testing service, keep on reading for more interesting information!
Does AutoZone Charge for Testing a Starter?
AutoZone won’t charge you anything if you take your vehicle for starter testing, as this is one of the free parts testing services that the company offers.
In case you’re stuck on the road or at home, you can remove the starter and take it to your nearest AutoZone store for testing.
However, if your starter needs replacement, you’ll need to pay for a new one. Fortunately, AutoZone sells all types of starters for different car models.
On average, starters at AutoZone cost from $80 to $350.
Do All AutoZone Stores Test Starters?
If you need to test your starter, you can go to any of the 6,000 AutoZone stores available. Asa well, you won’t be charged at any of these locations.
However, if you need more technical services, such as battery or spark plugs installation, the staff might direct you to another store or local mechanic.
What Are the Signs That You Need to Test Your Starter?
Before your starter completely dies, you might notice some signs that indicate it needs to be tested. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
Dashboard Lights
When you start the engine, and only the dashboard lights come on, there might be a problem with your starter.
Therefore, when your engine starts having issues revving up, you should visit the nearest AutoZone store to test whether you need to replace the starter.
A Clicking Sound
If you experience a clicking sound when you turn the ignition key, this is a sign of starter failure that needs to be addressed immediately.
On some occasions, the starter malfunction might have a grinding or whirring sound or no sound at all. Therefore, you need to be keen.
Smoke From Your Vehicle
Your starter makes up part of your electrical system. Therefore, it’s subject to short circuits and blown fuses.
When attempting to start your engine multiple types, your starter can overheat, leading to electrical problems, which are accompanied by smoke.
Once this happens and you see or smell smoke, you need to stop trying to start the car and contact AutoZone to test it.
Starter Soaked in Oil
If you open your hood and find your starter soaked in engine oil, this could cause a starter malfunction.
While this might be a symptom of an oil leak, it’s advisable to have your vehicle checked for the exact problem.
This is quite critical because this might start as a slight oil leak and turn into expensive repairs, so you need to keep an eye out for oil leaks.
Will AutoZone Replace Your Starter?
Have the AutoZone employees check whether you need a replacement or simple repair when you have issues with your starter.
A qualified professional would be best placed to advise on the source of the problem.
Some damaged starters are easier to rebuild, while others require complex components and time.
However, if the starter is damaged extensively, it’s cheaper to replace the starter entirely.
How Much Will It Cost to Replace a Starter at AutoZone?
If your starter is damaged, the rebuild cost ranges from $50 to $350, while a brand-new starter is $80 to more than $350.
A qualified mechanic will charge you between $150 to more than $1,100 to replace or rebuild your starter.
However, these charges vary significantly depending on the vehicle model, make, and year of manufacture.
Additionally, the cost might be affected by the actual cause of the problem.
Since your starter is interconnected with other electrical components in the vehicle, your ignition issues might be due to other causes.
Your mechanic needs to determine the extent of the damage, which also affects the overall costs.
You might also need to buy other auto parts such as bolts during replacement, increasing your expenses.
On the other hand, AutoZone will provide you with tips to guide you if you want to replace the starter yourself.
How Long Will It Take to Replace a Starter?
Many vehicles have a starter that’s easily accessible, so in this case, it can be removed and replaced within an hour.
However, for some vehicles, the starters are located in a complicated position, which requires more time to replace.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not AutoZone makes keys, if AutoZone installs wiper blades, and if AutoZone installs radios.
Conclusion
AutoZone will test your vehicle’s starter if you have problems with the ignition system. You can drive to any AutoZone store in the U.S., and they will check your starter for no charge as part of the company’s free testing package.
In addition, the testing process takes a few minutes, and the starter can be easily replaced if it’s too damaged; therefore, once you notice any signs of a failing starter, you need to take your car to AutoZone for testing.
