Why does your car start after you bang on the starter?

Hitting the starter rarely actually fixes a starter issue, it's a common misconception that it does. Most likely the starter solenoid is either stuck or dirty. When you bang on the starter, you are temporarily dislodging the solenoid, allowing it to complete the circuit and start the car. However, this is only a temporary solution and the problem will eventually return. It's best to have the starter checked by a qualified mechanic to determine the root cause of the issue and have it repaired.