Squealing Belt on Startup
Schedule a Visit — Urgency 3/5Safe to drive for now, but get it sorted soon. If the squeal becomes constant or you notice your battery light come on, the belt may be about to fail — head straight to a garage. This is general guidance — a mechanic can confirm the exact cause.
This is general guidance. Your situation may differ — when in doubt, don’t drive.
What does it sound like?
A loud, high-pitched squeal or screech when you first start the car, especially on cold or damp mornings. It usually lasts a few seconds to a minute and may come back briefly when you turn the steering wheel fully or switch on the air conditioning.
What could be causing it?
Less commonly, a pulley bearing that the belt runs over could be failing, which creates a similar noise.
What should I do right now?
Book a mechanic visit within the next week or two. A belt replacement is a relatively inexpensive and quick job. If you leave it too long, the belt could snap — which would cause your battery to stop charging, your power steering to fail, and your engine to overheat all at once.