Top 10 starter manufacturers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The car's starter provides initial rotation of the engine's crankshaft to start the engine itself. There are many breakdowns due to which this unit may be defective and need to be replaced. In such a situation, our review of the best starter manufacturers will be useful to you, which was compiled by experts based on equipment characteristics and customer reviews.

Rating of the best starter manufacturers

Nomination	a place	manufacturer	rating
The best foreign manufacturers of starters	1	Denso	5.0
	2	Bosch	4.9
	3	Delta	4.8
	4	CARGO	4.7
	5	Valeo	4.6
	6	BATE	4.5
	7	Fenox	4.4
The best domestic manufacturers of starters	1	KZATE	5.0
	2	StartVOLT	4.9
	3	Eltra (PRAMO)	4.8

The best foreign manufacturers of starters

Foreign manufacturers produce starters for foreign cars. Most have goods for VAZ, GAZ and other Russian cars. These are better parts, but their cost is higher.

Denso

Rating: 5.0

We placed the Japanese manufacturer Denso in the first place. This is a famous brand that produces starters for Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda and others made in Japan. From the factory they are delivered to conveyors and assembled as original ones. There are models with a retractor inside, but the company focuses more on the manufacture of units with an external relay arrangement. This simplifies access in case of repair and replacement of the winding and plug. Customer reviews show that the relay for Japanese starters is suitable even from other manufacturers. They also have a perfectly matched geometry of the bendix gear, so it does not destroy the crankshaft pulley.

This manufacturer is marked by our experts as the best, since it produces starters with a long service life of up to 200,000 km. Many driver reviews show that Denso starters are reliable and there are no problems with them. If you like to install only high-quality parts with an increased resource, then the electric starter of this brand will be the most optimal.

Advantages

• retractor relay outside, which simplifies repair;
• easily spins the engine;
• the motor immediately grabs the mixture and starts;
• pleasant sound without rattling.

disadvantages

• may be larger than the original, which complicates installation;
• high price.

Bosch

Rating: 4.9

The second place belongs to the German manufacturer Bosch. The company produces starters for all European, Asian and American cars. In addition to the assembled unit, there are separate parts on sale, such as bendix, relays, bearings. The reviews of motorists show that the starter does not load the battery too much – with bad candles or weak pressure of the gas pump, the battery will not be very discharged, even if the engine does not start the first time. Brand products are widely distributed throughout the world. In Russia, you can buy a Bosch starter in any city and it is not necessary to wait for weeks for an order made via the Internet.

According to the editorial board of the magazine, the manufacturer is the best, since it produces starters for Russian cars, ideally suited for the bore holes and the geometry of the teeth. Domestic VAZ starters do not have a long service life, and by installing a Bosch on a car, it will be possible to use the unit for a long time, without worrying about starting the engine every time.

Advantages

• durable die-cast body;
• retractor relay outside;
• pleasant sound of rotation;
• rarely break.

disadvantages

• in frost from -20 degrees, the relay does not return to its place – an unpleasant grinding is heard;
• periodically you need to wash and lubricate the retractor.

Delta

Rating: 4.8

Next is the German manufacturer Delta, known for its orange packaging with purple stripes. In addition to the chic design of the box, the company is notable for a large assortment of starters for Japanese, Chinese, Korean and European cars. The catalog contains electric starters for engines with a volume of 1.5-3.0 liters, which are selected according to starting power. The bushings on the bearings of the unit are made of high-quality materials and rarely depletion appears in them.

We consider the manufacturer to be the best due to the relatively low cost of goods, as well as the possibility of repairing starters using spare parts from other brands. Judging by the feedback from the drivers, the Delta starter can be easily disassembled and the Bosch bearing brushes and bushings are suitable for it. This allows you to initially save when buying a unit, and later, when the consumables are worn out, replace them with better ones, without overpaying for the body and winding from a well-known brand.

Advantages

• easily disassembled for repair and replacement of parts;
• high-quality German assembly;
• there is enough lubricant in the assembly from the factory;
• there are starters for engines of different sizes from 1.5 to 3.0 liters.

disadvantages

• attachment points do not always coincide;
• power limit 1.1 kW;
• original individual parts for the starter are more difficult to find;
• slim body.

CARGO

Rating: 4.7

In fourth place is the Danish manufacturer Holger, which owns the Cargo brand. The company has been operating since 1963 and has over 35,000 spare parts in its catalog. 20 product groups include: engine cooling systems, car air conditioning systems, electrical equipment, including generators and starters. The manufacturer has factories in 4 countries around the world, and specializing in electrical units for cars has made it possible to achieve greater heights in terms of design and energy savings than companies that produce everything from brakes to gearboxes.

This manufacturer was recognized by us as the best, since it is engaged not only in the production of new, but also in the restoration of existing electrical equipment. The company itself repairs starters, inserting new armatures, stator windings, bearings, bushings into old casings. Subsequently, the starters are painted and sold for less than new ones. If you are not embarrassed by the use of an old case, then buying a Cargo starter is a great opportunity to get a quality product and save a little.

Advantages

• the manufacturer has ISO / TS 16949, 9001, 2000 certificates;
• there are separate parts on sale (brushes, bendixes, axles, bushings, oil seals, washers);
• relatively affordable cost;
• easy to find in a specialist store.

disadvantages

• recently, assembly is underway in China;
• in frosts from -27 degrees, bendix may fail.

Valeo

Rating: 4.6

In our review, we couldn't do without the French manufacturer Valeo. The brand is widely known in Europe for its high-end gear starters. The company has existed since 1923 and has managed to gain a reputation as a reliable company with a wide range of spare parts. The catalog includes such product groups as: car optics, climate systems, clutches, engine ECUs, braking systems, starters and generators. Inside the starter case, the French put thick pads under the brushes, which exclude the passage of voltage past the circuit.

We included the manufacturer in our review of the best, as its starters are virtually silent. This is achieved through a precisely matched geometry of the gears, the teeth of which fit snugly into the mating positions on the flywheel. The company also spares no lubrication for the insides of the unit, so the rotation does not cause additional sounds. If you are tired of the rumble under the hood at the moment of starting, then pay attention to Valeo products.

Advantages

• there are products for Korean, Japanese, Chinese and German cars;
• ideal for mounting holes;
• there are no voltage drops when starting the motor;
• The internal combustion engine starts up cheerfully.

disadvantages

• there is a very thick grease in the planetary gearbox – it freezes in winter and you need to pour boiling water onto the body to warm it up;
• dirt actively accumulates inside the case;
• high price.

BATE

Rating: 4.5

Further in our review, a manufacturer from the near abroad is BATE. This is a company from Belarus. The company produces conventional and gear starters. The reviews show that both modifications are easily disassembled and maintainable. If desired, only the bendix, bushings or the solenoid relay can be replaced. Recently, the manufacturer began to use bearings in a cage near the brush assembly, instead of a simple set of balls. This significantly strengthened the design and helped to eliminate backlash. Also in this compartment there was a technical window for supplying lubricant, so that you do not need to disassemble the case and you can carry out maintenance faster.

The manufacturer was recognized by us as the best, since it produces gear-type starters that are distinguished by low energy consumption. In view of this advantage, the battery uses up its reserve more economically, and there is no extinguishing of the light in the car interior at the moment of starting. If you have an old battery and it's time to change the electric starter, then take a look at this brand.

Advantages

• spins the engine well;
• small load on the battery;
• attractive price;
• easily starts rotation in cold weather;
• weighs a little.

disadvantages

• bushings made of flimsy brass and wear off quickly;
• you need to check the body tie – there may be under-tightened bolts.

Fenox

Rating: 4.4

The seventh position belongs to the manufacturer Fenox, which appeared in 1989 and at first specialized in the production of hydraulic cylinders, and later expanded its range of suspension elements, chassis, transmission, steering and electrical equipment. The manufacturer has 12 factories in Germany, Russia and Belarus. For the manufacture of products, an automated Variomatic center is used, which excludes defects from the human factor. Starters and other electrical equipment for machines are marketed under the Fenox Electric System name. Reviews show that the starter is easily connected instead of the original.

We included the manufacturer in our review of the best ones, because the price of the products is one of the most affordable. Many are pleased with the quiet start of the motor. In terms of work, the Fenox starter does not differ from more expensive brands. The service life of some was up to 5 years, despite the fact that the car spends the night on the street.

Advantages

• the accuracy of the fasteners is respected;
• apply innovative approaches in the design of the planetary gear;
• there are many products for VAZ;
• partners with Bremsw Hydraulic.

disadvantages

• can be repaired only with spare parts of the same company – others do not become in size;
• weak attachment of magnets.

The best domestic manufacturers of starters

When the prices for the products of famous brands 'bite', and the reviews for cheaper imported goods are contradictory, it is worth considering domestic options.

KZATE

Rating: 5.0

In this category, the factory from Saratov is in first place. The machine-building enterprise produces electrical equipment for agricultural machinery and passenger cars. The concern has been operating since 1934. Since 2001, the plant has been part of the Tandem trade group. The main specialization is the manufacture of alternators and starters. The narrow focus has led to the development of exclusive planetary gear designs and made it possible to break into the global aftermarket. The company's products are sold in Europe, Asia and even America. In the reviews, buyers are happy that when the brushes are replaced, it is not necessary to disassemble the collector, and this simplifies the procedure and saves time. Also, KZATE starters are much more compact than the original ones on GAZ, but they twist no less strongly.

We have added the manufacturer to our review due to the horizontal arrangement of the brushes. This allows water to drain faster from them if accidentally hit. This configuration also helps to reduce wear. This electric starter should be considered by fans of hunting and fishing, who regularly pass the ford, as a result of which the engine compartment gets wet.

Advantages

• guaranteed to work for 2 years;
• thick metal on the body;
• polymer fork is more flexible and has better spring;
• there are gear models.

disadvantages

• if you twist it for a long time (10 seconds each), then the retractor may stick;
• weak springs and 'crackers' on rollers;
• there are chips on the magnets.

StartVOLT

Rating: 4.9

The company deals with ignition coils, washer pumps, car lamps, battery terminals, sensors of all types. But these are only related products for the assortment. The priority direction is the production of starters and alternators, in which the company has succeeded, having patented several of its own developments. The philosophy of the company is to produce affordable spare parts for 'people's class' cars. Products are sold in Georgia, Armenia, RF, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Belarus. Buyers in the reviews note the reliable packaging of the starter, placed in a foam sheath and a dense cardboard box. This allows you to safely order goods with delivery by mail.

The company is the best in starter performance. This became possible due to personal developments, in which the candidate of technical sciences Shibaev V.I. Empirically, an increased torque has been achieved with energy consumption from the battery at the same level as the equipment of competitors. Thanks to this starter, your motor will run faster, and the battery will lose less charge.

Advantages

• quality control is applied at every stage of production;
• priority release of generators and starters;
• original attractive design;
• powerful and compact starters.

disadvantages

• the range of products is designed only for domestic cars;
• you need to check the tightening on the power terminal.

Eltra (PRAMO)

Rating: 4.8

Our review is completed by the manufacturer PRAMO, which appeared in 1917 and is based in Rzhev. It is a large concern that produces automotive and motor equipment. The assortment includes: starters, thermostats, motors for windscreen wipers, generators and individual spare parts for these units. Products are made for cars, agricultural vehicles, and even military equipment. The price of spare parts, in comparison with imported counterparts, is 2-4 times cheaper, which buyers like in the reviews. Drivers especially praise the geared version, since it works much quieter and does not overload the on-board network.

We consider the manufacturer to be the best because of the 'Pramo-Electro Iskra' model, which is powerful despite its small size. Drivers in the reviews note a sharp rotation of the unit, which ensures the start of the motor from the first seconds. This is optimal for those who need to allocate additional space in the engine compartment for the installation of LPG.

Advantages

• the case is easily disassembled and assembled to replace parts;
• quiet operation when rotating;
• increased power;
• consumes little energy.

disadvantages

• when storing the car on the street, cleaning and lubrication is required once every six months;
• in the reviews, some complain about the difficulty of buying spare parts.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.