A persistent screeching noise you hear when starting your car can indicate that there’s a problem with one of your vehicle’s belts.
Read on and find out what could be causing the squealing noise and how to find a solution to the problem.
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Why Does My Car Make a Screeching Noise?
A screeching or squealing sound can be attributed to any of the following issues:
- Low or contaminated power steering fluid
- Worn brake pads
- Old or loose alternator pulley
- Cambelt issues
- Worn wheel bearings
- Worn suspension parts
- Faulty water pump pulley
- Under- or over-inflated tyres
A Screeching Noise When Starting the Car
If you hear the screeching when starting the car, it is likely that a belt is to blame.
The slipping belt in question could be the fan belt or the auxiliary serpentine belt.
You may hear squealing noises at the front of your car if a drive belt has broken.
It won’t be the timing belt, as this belt has teeth meaning it cannot slip without impacting your engine’s internal timing.
In cold and wet weather, belt slippage is even more likely to occur, as the belt can lose grip on the pulleys.
The serpentine belt drives the air con, alternator, and water pumps.
Whilst most modern cars have electric fans, older cars can be driven by a fan belt.
Serpentine Belt Squealing
Some of the most common symptoms of a faulty drive belt are:
- Squealing or whining noises
- An illuminated check engine light
- Steering problems
- No air con
- Engine overheating
- Damaged drive belt
- Alternator problems
- Poor vehicle performance
If your car’s serpentine belt is squealing, this could signal that any of the following issues are present:
- Low belt tension
- The belt is too long
- The belt is worn
- Fluid contamination on the belt
- Improper installation
- General wear and tear
Your serpentine belt needs to be replaced between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, though this can vary depending on your car’s manufacturer.
Fan Belt Squealing
A high-pitched squealing noise coming from the engine can indicate that there is a problem with the fan belt.
Some of the most common symptoms of fan belt problems are:
- Loss of power steering
- Loss of electrical systems
- Engine overheating
- Fluid leaks
You can open the bonnet and check to see if the belt is cracked or frayed.
If the belt is stretched, there won’t be enough tension for the belt to work correctly.
A damaged belt will need to be replaced right away to avoid causing damage to the engine.
A fan belt can last up to 100,000 miles, with proper maintenance.
