Every time I go to start the car I hear a tapping sound?

By a tapping noise I suspect you mean when you are cranking the engine you are hearing a rapid clicking?

If that is the case, then this is a drained battery, and we need to at least charge it, but I suspect we should replace it.

Here are a number of guides that will help with testing and replacing this plus explain more on what this issue is.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

If I am not understanding the issue, please let us know but I am pretty sure we are going to need to replace the battery.

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. Thanks

Hello,

This could be the sign of a failing starter or weak connection from the battery to the starter.
First check the battery cable. Make sure it is secured and free of any corrosion. You also need to check the cable that connects to the starter and verify it is in good shape and secured.

If you still have this issue, then it is likely a bad starter and needs to be replaced.
It would be a good idea to test the starter and make sure it is indeed bad (look below for testing procedure)

Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

I have attached diagrams for the starter replacement as well as testing procedure below.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.