Best Car Starters & Parts of 2026
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Car starters and parts are essential components of any vehicle's ignition system, enabling the engine to start and run smoothly. These parts include the starter motor, ignition switch, and battery cables, among others. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over, while the ignition switch activates the starter and sends a signal to the engine control module. Battery cables connect the battery to the starter and provide the necessary electrical power to start the engine. These parts are crucial for the proper functioning of any vehicle and should be regularly maintained and replaced as needed to ensure reliable performance.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Car Starters & Parts
Proform Hi-Torque Starter
This Proform Hi-Torque Starter has a package dimension of 16.764 H x 25.146 L x 17.526 W (centimetres) and a weight of 3.832 kilograms. It is designed to fit specific vehicles and is made in Taiwan. This starter is a great choice for those who need a reliable and efficient starter for their vehicle.
Proform 66258 Hi Torque Mini Starter
The Proform Mini Starter is a high-torque starter designed to provide reliable and powerful performance for your vehicle. With its compact size, this starter is easy to install and fits perfectly in tight spaces. The package dimensions of 25.654 cms L x 16.764 cms W x 16.51 cms H ensure a convenient and hassle-free installation process. Whether you're starting your vehicle in cold weather or dealing with a worn-out stock starter, the Proform Mini Starter is here to help. Its high torque output ensures quick and efficient starting every time, while the one-piece design eliminates the need for shimming. Made in Taiwan, this starter is built to last and deliver exceptional performance for years to come.
CVR Performance Protorque Starter for Chevy
The CVR Performance Protorque Starter for Chevy V8 comes with an adjustable 4:1 gear reduction ratio that enhances engine cranking power. It fits specific vehicles and weighs 12.11 pounds. This starter is designed to improve the performance of your Chevy engine, providing a reliable and efficient start every time you turn the key.
DB Electrical Starter for John Deere
This 100% new aftermarket starter is built to meet OEM specifications for Cub Cadet, John Deere, and Kawasaki. It comes with a 12 voltage, CCW rotation, 10 teeth, and DD starter type. The product replaces OEM numbers such as DENSO 428000-6600, John Deere AUC12656, and Kawasaki 21163-0754. It is compatible with/replacement for various John Deere and Kawasaki models. The 1-year warranty ensures a replacement anytime within a year of order.
Powermaster 9613 Mastertorque Starter
The Powermaster 9613 Mastertorque Starter, also known as the Powermaster Starter, is a vehicle-specific starter that offers exceptional performance and reliability. With its compact design and easy installation, this starter is perfect for any car enthusiast. The package dimensions of 27.686 H x 26.162 L x 26.162 W (centimeters) make it a convenient choice for those looking for a space-saving solution. Additionally, the country of origin being the United States ensures high-quality craftsmanship. Weighing only 9.45 pounds, this starter is lightweight yet powerful, providing a smooth and efficient start every time. Whether you're upgrading your vehicle or replacing a worn-out starter, the Powermaster 9613 Mastertorque Starter is a top choice.
Powermaster 9604 Starter
The Powermaster Starter 9604 is a reliable starter designed to enhance your vehicle's performance. With dimensions of 12.5 inches long, 5.5 inches high, and 7.5 inches wide, it fits snugly in most engine compartments, ensuring easy installation. Weighing in at 12 pounds, it delivers a solid performance without being overly heavy. Proudly made in the United States, it offers quality craftsmanship that you can trust. The part number 9604 helps you easily identify this specific model, ensuring you get the right starter for your needs.
MSD 5095 DynaForce Starter
The MSD 5095 DynaForce Starter is a powerful starter with a gear reduction of 4.4:1 and a 5 HP motor, making it capable of providing plenty of torque for high compression. Its billet mounting block can be clocked, and the downsized design helps with clearance issues.
Ford Racing High Torque Mini Starter
The Ford Racing High Torque Mini Starter is made in the United States and comes with special battery cables. It has a package weight of 10.2 pounds and package dimensions of 23.622 L x 13.716 H x 35.306 W (centimeters). This starter is designed to provide high torque, making it ideal for racing and high-performance vehicles.
ACDelco Gold 336-1578 Starter
The ACDelco Gold Starter is carefully remanufactured to meet high standards, ensuring you get a reliable part rather than just a simple rebuild. It features new bronze sintered and oil-impregnated armature bushings, which help reduce wear and improve durability, meaning your engine starts smoothly and lasts longer. The solenoid contacts are replaced with new ones that include copper terminals and plated hardware, offering better electrical conductivity and preventing corrosion for consistent performance. Each unit is thoroughly tested and inspected to make sure it meets quality and design expectations, giving you confidence that your vehicle will start every time.
ProForm 66257 Hi Torque Starter
The ProForm Hi Torque Starter is designed with precise vehicle compatibility, ensuring it fits your specific model for a smooth installation. Its compact package size makes handling and storage easier, while the weight of just over 11 pounds means it’s manageable to carry and install without strain. Made in Taiwan, this starter reflects reliable manufacturing standards. With these features, the ProForm Hi Torque Starter offers you a dependable and convenient solution for replacing or upgrading your vehicle’s starter system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the parts of a starter?
The parts of a starter include the armature, commutator, brushes, solenoid, plunger, lever fork, pinion, and field coils. These components work together to initiate the engine's starting process.
2. How do I know if my starter is bad?
Signs of a bad starter include the engine not turning over when you try to start the car, unusual noises like clinking or grinding, intermittent starting problems, and smoke coming from under the hood. If you experience these symptoms, it's likely that your starter has a problem and may need to be replaced.
3. What parts do I need to replace a starter?
To replace a starter, you will need sockets and a socket wrench or torque wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, extra mounting bolt or starter bolt pieces, battery terminal puller, and drive-on ramps, jack, or jack stands. These tools will help you properly remove and install the new starter.
4. Will my car run with a bad starter?
No, a car will not run with a bad starter. The starter is responsible for getting the engine running, and without a properly working starter relay and motor, the vehicle won't start. If you have a bad starter, you may need to have your car towed to a mechanic for repair.
5. Can I drive my car if the starter is bad?
In a pinch, you may be able to start your vehicle with a bad starter or solenoid. However, it is not recommended to drive the car in this condition. It's best to have the issue properly diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
6. What usually fails on a starter?
Common causes of faulty starters include faulty electrical connections, a stiff or faulty solenoid switch (engaging relay), electric motor damage, and damage to the single-pinion gear, starter pinion, or freewheel. These issues can cause the starter to fail and require replacement.
During our car starters & part research, we found 24 car starters & part products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,607 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car starters & parts list. We found that most customers choose car starters & parts with an average price of $207.06.
The car starters & parts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car starters & parts, including ProForm, CVR Performance, DB Electrical, Powermaster, Power Master. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.