As someone who runs an auto repair shop, I’ve seen lots of new technology come and go. One of the latest changes in modern cars is the eco start-stop system, designed to save gas and reduce emissions by shutting the engine off when you stop at lights or in traffic. While this sounds great for your wallet and the environment, it brings new problems, especially when it comes to the lifespan of your car’s starter.
What Eco Starters Are Supposed to Do
Manufacturers like Denso, Bosch, and others claim that eco starters are built tougher than the old ones. They say these starters can handle 250,000 to 300,000 starts, compared to the 50,000 to 100,000 starts of traditional starters. Eco starters are supposed to have stronger materials, better brushes, and upgraded parts to deal with the engine starting and stopping all the time (Ran When Parked) (Mechanic Base).
The Problem: They Don’t Always Last
However, from what I’ve seen in my shop, these eco starters don’t always live up to the hype. Here’s why:
- Too Much Stop-and-Go: In big cities or heavy traffic, where cars are stopping and starting constantly, the eco starters get worn down faster than expected. We’ve seen eco starters fail after just 50,000 to 100,000 miles, way before they should. All that stopping and starting takes a toll (Practical Motoring).
- Weak Batteries: These systems put a lot of strain on the car’s battery. If the battery gets weak or isn’t maintained well, the starter has to work even harder, which causes it to wear out faster. If the battery isn’t strong enough to support the eco system, you’re looking at a starter that won’t last as long(Canadian Tire).
- High Costs for Parts and Labor: When an eco starter does fail, it’s expensive to replace. A new eco starter can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, just for the part. That’s a big jump from the $150 to $400 range for a regular starter. Plus, you still have to pay for labor, and this is where luxury vehicles hit hard. On modern luxury cars, the engine bays are more complex and crowded, making it harder to access the starter motor. The labor to replace a starter in these vehicles can easily add another $500 to $1,000 to the cost, depending on how much of the engine or components need to be removed to access it.
Why I Recommend Denso
Of all the brands out there, Denso is the one I trust the most. Denso makes high-quality eco starters that are known for lasting longer, even under tough conditions. They use better materials that stand up to the constant start-stop action. I’ve noticed that cars with Denso starters tend to have fewer issues compared to other brands.
Why Denso Works Better:
- Denso starters are used by big names like Toyota and Honda, companies that focus on reliability.
- The materials Denso uses, like stronger brushes and tougher parts, mean their starters can handle the frequent use in stop-start systems better than others.
The Bottom Line
Eco start-stop systems might save you some gas, but they can cost you more in the long run when the starter wears out early. In heavy traffic, these eco starters don’t always last as long as they’re supposed to and replacing them isn’t cheap. If you’re looking for a starter that’s going to give you the best shot at lasting longer, I recommend Denso.
As a mechanic, I always tell my customers to keep an eye on their battery and go with a quality brand for the starter. If you’ve got a car with a start-stop system, especially a luxury model, be prepared for the possibility of higher labor costs due to the complexity of engine access. Choosing a good brand like Denso can help, but even then, regular maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly.