How often should a car motor be replaced?
2 Answers
If the car motor is not malfunctioning or damaged, it does not need to be replaced. The car motor, also known as the starter motor, along with another motor called the idle motor, is generally quite durable. In daily use, if the driver does not operate the starter according to regulations, issues such as brush wear, poor contact of the electromagnetic switch contacts, damage to the one-way gear or flywheel gear, or poor grounding can lead to motor failure. Therefore, during regular vehicle use, drivers should pay attention to: 1. Maintain good starting habits to avoid burning out the starter; 2. Conduct regular battery checks to ensure the battery can start the engine under normal capacity and power; 3. Regularly clean the engine compartment to prevent dust and oil from corroding and aging the engine compartment wiring harness, which could lead to poor contact or rust at the starter interface and affect normal engine startup. If motor damage is detected, it should be promptly repaired and maintained.
It's rare to see car owners specifically come in to replace the starter motor during routine repairs, as it's a part that typically gets replaced only when it fails. The most durable one I've seen was still working fine after 200,000 kilometers, while some unlucky ones start making grinding noises at just 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. The lifespan of a starter motor largely depends on usage habits. If you crank it for more than ten seconds at a time or repeatedly start the engine in winter, the carbon brushes wear out much faster. Last time, I encountered an owner who revved the engine while starting it every time, and the rotor coil burned out in less than three years. However, many newer models now combine the starter and alternator into a 48V mild hybrid system, which ironically tends to be more prone to failures.
