Why Does Car Squeal Only When Cold Started?
If you start your vehicle and it squeals for a little while and then stops, this is likely due to the serpentine belt. Cold and dew can affect the shape and grip of the belt, causing it to squeal. Replacing the belt is the easiest way to fix this issue.
Why does my car squeak when I start it in the cold?
The noise you are hearing is that new serpentine belt sliding and skipping on the pulleys they are driving. This is typically caused by the belt being loose, or a pulley refusing to turn freely. Your vehicle is equipped with one pulley who's only job is to keep the belt tight.
Why does my car squeal until it warms up?
Most likely cause for this is that you have some condensation built up overnight on either the belt or one of the pulley wheels, and until this has evaporated the belt will be able to slip a little, causing a squeak. Once the engine warms up, the condensation is gone.
Is it safe to drive a car that squeaks?
Brakes, for example, are designed to make a squeaking noise when it's time for new brake pads. If your car is making a squeaking noise when driving slowly or you hear any other unusual sound, it's time to seek out a professional for an inspection.
What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?
There are two types of noise that a serpentine belt typically makes. One is the chirp, the other is the squeal. They each are the result of different issues within the front end drive system.
How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?
The cost of the serpentine belt itself could be around $50 and the cost of labor could be around $150. As a result, a serpentine belt cost for replacement could range from $70 to $200 depending on your exact model and where you get it replaced.
Do cold belts squeal?
The cold weather causes rubber to be less pliable and a bit brittle. As the engine pulleys turn the rubber belt at a very rapid pace, this will cause them to squeak a bit until the rubber material warms up and becomes more pliable. This may also happen when the belt needs to be tightened up.
How long can you drive with a squealing serpentine belt?
That's why it's recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it's repaired, the better.
How do I make my car stop squeaking?
If you have a suspension with grease fittings on the ball joints, sway bar end-links and steering links, best suggestion to stop the squeaks is to pump them all full of grease. Chances are that doing that will fix your squeaking problem.
How do you know if your car needs a new serpentine belt?
- Loud noise or screech from under the hood, particularly when you accelerate.
- Serpentine Belt shows signs of fraying, cracking, splitting, or glazing.
- Engine components such as power steering cease to operate.
- Engine overheats.
What happens if serpentine belt breaks while driving?
This can lead to a sudden lost of power assist for the steering system, leading to the steering wheel all-of-a-sudden becoming very hard to turn. A broken serpentine belt may stop the water pump from circulating coolant through the cooling system, causing the engine can overheat.
How many years should a serpentine belt last?
The serpentine belt "snakes" around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
What are problems that can cause a belt to squeal?
The belt squeals because there is improper tension in the belt drive system. This is usually caused by a worn automatic tensioner, but other causes can include a contaminated belt (oil, belt dressing, etc.) or a belt that is too long or worn out.
Will a serpentine belt squeal while idling?
The idler pulley has to be strong enough to hold the serpentine belt in place with the right tension as it spins. If it doesn't, the belt may slip, and the annoying squeal will start. Call a mechanic to check the tension on the idler pulley. See also: car heater blow cold air when idling.
