Starter Issue

My wife's car on occasion makes a grind sound when starting. It doesn't happen all of the time and some times are worse than others.

I'm not a car buff. Does anyone have some ideas as to what might be the cause? Starter going bad, shims need to be replaced, etc.?

Thanks for your help in advance.

next time it makes the noise, pop the hood, and pinpoint the location.

if it is your starter, it will click. if it does so, its either:

1. your battery is low or
2. there is a loose connection or
3. your starter is bad.