M any vehicle owners assume that a dead battery is the only culprit whenever their Subaru refuses to start. While this may the case in many instances, another possible reason why you may struggle to get your vehicle’s engine running is a failing starter. The starter is a vital component that cranks your engine when you turn the key.
Signs your Subaru needs a new starter
When the starter in your Subaru fails, you can’t go anywhere. However, there are signs your vehicle gives you before your starter stops working. Here are the top symptoms:
Engine won’t turn over
The most obvious sign that your car’s starter is getting bad is when you push the start button or turn the key and the engine refuses to crank or cranks slowly. You may even hear the clicking sound when you turn the key yet get no response. It may start eventually, but it clearly struggles to get going.
Strange noises
When you turn the key or push the start button and hear unusual noises, the starter may be to blame. Failing starters typically announce themselves with a grinding or whirring noise.
Sporadic starting issues
If you have to crank your Subaru more than once before the engine ignites, the problem may be with the starter system.
Starter problems are bound to happen at some point but they don’t have to ruin your day – if you notice any symptoms of the failing starter, there is usually time to make an appointment at your local auto repair shop to get the starting system tested, and if the starter is failing, to get it replaced, before it leaves you stranded away from home.
At Toole’s Garage in San Carlos we offer full range of electrical and starting system diagnostics and repairs. Our highly skilled technicians will find the root cause of any starting problems, and can get the starter replaced, usually the same day. If your Subaru exhibits any symptoms that cause you concern, calls us at the shop.
When it comes to wheel safety, lug nuts don’t always get the attention they deserve. These critical fasteners are what keep your wheels securely attached to your car, and they need to be tightened to a very specific level of force—known as torque. Get it wrong, and you're risking more than just a loose wheel.
Toole’s Garage is proud to announce opening of our Jackson, CA location - a family owned and operated full service auto repair shop that serves Jackson-Martell-Sutter Creek area.
It’s difficult to drive anywhere in the Bay Area and not see a lot of Subaru vehicles. Whether it’s the Subaru Crosstrek, WRX, Outback, Forester, or Ascend, Subaru vehicles are everywhere. At Toole’s Garage we are big Subaru fans.
Subaru vehicles are built for the great outdoors, and of course California provides plenty of opportunity for on-road and off-road adventures. All wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on many Subaru models, and can provide consistent traction whether you are on a muddy road, or skiing in the Sierras.
If a roof rack did not come standard with your model, it’s easy to add. And of course, interior space is pretty generous, especially if you drive an Outback or Ascent – you can stow plenty of camping and hiking gear.
At Toole’s Garage we can provide your Subaru with the maintenance it needs to provide you with a reliable ride – wherever your adventures take you. We highly recommend regular oil change – it not only improves performance and extends engine life, but it also allows us to inspect various sub-systems of your Subaru to catch any impending problems (for example, older Subaru models were prone to oil leaks). And if a long summer trip is in the cards, we definitely suggest bringing it in for a checkup.
Being a full service auto repair shop, Toole’s Garage can provide your Subaru with routine maintenance services, diagnostics, as well as major repairs. If your Subaru needs new brake pads, has the check engine light “on”, suffers from transmission problems, or needs major engine repairs – we can make your vehicle healthy again.
Whether you have owned your Subaru for a long time, or have recently acquired one, bring it to our San Carlos auto repair shop – we will keep your vehicle in peak condition. Call us to make an appointment, or you can make an appointment online, on our website.