What causes that squealing noise in my engine?
Does your car make a high-pitched squealing noise when you start it up? That noise could be a sign of a failing serpentine belt or alternator. You must quickly take your vehicle in for engine repair if you hear that noise.
Signs of a Failing Alternator
You can check for a failing alternator by watching the voltmeter on your dashboard when you start your vehicle. If the problem is the alternator, the voltmeter will move with the squealing noise.
Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt
There are several signs of a failing serpentine belt you will notice, in addition to the squealing noise when you start your engine. You may have difficulty steering because the serpentine belt powers the power steering pump in many newer vehicles. This might be why the squealing noise is louder when you’re turning.
You may be having trouble with your AC if your serpentine belt fails. Your vehicle uses the serpentine belt to run the AC smoothly. You may notice the squealing noise will start when the AC is turned on and increase when you accelerate while the AC is on.
Because the serpentine belt also powers the alternator, you may notice your battery light comes on as a signal your serpentine belt is failing. This sign can help you pinpoint the issue behind the squealing noise in conjunction with watching the voltmeter when you start the car.
The serpentine belt also powers your vehicle’s water pump, so if your vehicle is overheating, the culprit might be a failing serpentine belt. If the belt fails, your engine is likely to overheat.
A loud squealing noise from your engine when you start is enough to shoot your blood pressure through the roof, I’m sure. If you encounter such a noise in your vehicle’s engine, it’s time to call West Automotive Group in San Diego, CA, and make an appointment to have their talented technicians check the health of your alternator and serpentine belt. The sooner you take your vehicle in for engine repair, the sooner you’ll be back on the road.
