How bad is holding the starter motor after car is on?

mtunofun · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:31 AM

It's starting to get colder and it takes noticeably longer to turn the car on. I pride myself in letting go of the key the instant the car is on, but sometimes I'll hold onto it a second longer than I have to. How bad is it for your car? And when you do bad things to your fit do you tell it your sorry lol?

And when my dad uses my car he hold onto it for a hekka long time (I exaggerate; more like 3 seconds).

I love how Toyota has autostarting in all their cars.

kenchan · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:45 AM

i wouldn't worry about it. my wife likes to drag the starter too. to make sure it's absolutely on an well done.

biscuitninja · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:41 AM

Its not healthy... but its not "bad" for your car. Once your dad pays for a starter or changes one... they'll figure it out.

SteveInNC · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 05:00 AM

Most modern starters that I'm aware of have an overrunning clutch, so the engine effectively disconnects from the starter motor once it is turning faster than the starter.

Shockwave199 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 05:08 AM

It's been mentioned a few times and it's worth getting in the habit- turn the key to second position 'on' for a few seconds. Then turn the car over. You'll notice a big improvement in starting, even in the cold. I throw the key to the on position and then put on my seat belt. By that time, I turn the car over. No hesitation since doing this. Try it and see. It'll help your turn-over technique.

Dan