Before the invention of the starter motor, engines were started by various methods including wind-up springs and human-powered techniques such as a removable crank handle which engaged the front of the crankshaft or pulling a cord that was wound around an open-face pulley. Originally, a  hand crank was used to start engines, but it was inconvenient, difficult, and dangerous to crank-start an engine. Thank god for the continuous improvements in technology and the invention of the starter motor along with many other parts that have been manufactured to make getting about a lot easier. The electric starter motor or starting motor is the most common type used on petrol engines and diesel engines. The modern starter motor is either a permanent-magnet or a series-parallel wound direct current electric motor with a starter solenoid (similar to a relay) mounted on it. When current from the starting battery is applied to the solenoid, usually through a key-operated switch, it sends an electrical charge to the starter solenoid, the solenoid engages a lever that pushes out the drive pinion on the starter drive shaft and meshes the pinion with the starter ring gear on the flywheel of the engine. This is one of the most common parts of a vehicle that will need replacing at some point or other and averages at around £200, depending on the make and model of vehicle, to repair (A Class Mercedes cost around £400 due to the location of the starter motor). If you are experiencing starting issues with your car then call us here at AE Services in Sutton to book an appointment for a full diagnostic report and estimate for repair work needed to get your car starting every time!