It is supposed that starting your car in the morning should be smooth and without any annoying noise. However, several drivers are accustomed to the extra sound of squeaking noise when starting car with keys or pushing the start button.
It can scare you and bother you, but a definite explanation of why it occurs and what can be done to remedy it will help you rest easy. In this article, I will describe the main reasons for this sound and give you some steps on how to solve the problem.
Topic Summary
- Causes of Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
- Preventive Measures for Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
- FAQs About Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
- Why does my car make a squeaking noise when I start it?
- How can I identify if the serpentine belt is causing the squeaking noise?
- Can I drive my car if makes a squeaking noise when starting?
- What are the signs of a failing alternator related to squeaking noises?
- How much does it, on average, cost to fix a noise from a squeaking car?
- Conclusion
Causes of Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
If you have an older car (or even a relatively new one) and you hear a squeak as you start it, don’t worry – there are several different potential causes, and most of them are easy to fix.
One of the most common reasons for squeaking when you start your car is an old, loose, or cracked serpentine (or drive) belt. When these belts start to get too much wear, they can either slip on the pulleys or just become loose and move more freely.
And because belts have rubber covers, cold air can cause those rubber parts to become stiffer than usual. Another potential cause of squeaking is a bad belt tensioner, which leads to the belt slipping.
Sometimes, a bad belt tensioner makes loud noises in other situations as well. However, the most common cause of squeaking when you start your car is a bad starter motor (or alternator), as worn bearings or pulleys clash against each other. Some causes are.
Worn Out Serpentine Belt
Cause: The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, drives the alternator, the power steering pump, and the air conditioning compressor. It is either old, loose, and/or cracked, and so goes ‘squeak, squeak, squeak.’
Solution: Check the serpentine for wear. Replace the old one and check that it’s tensioned correctly to avoid the belt slipping and making loud noises.
Faulty Belt Tensioner
Cause: The belt tensioner keeps the correct tension on the serpentine belt. If the tensioner is faulty, the belt can become slack, making squeaking more likely.
Solution: Belt or drive assembly or tensioner pulley is worn loose or seized.
Solution: Inspect belt tension for operation. If failure, use belt tensioner assembly with the correct tension.
Worn Out Starter Motor
Cause: The starter motor cranks the engine. When you first start your car, you can hear it. If the starter motor is in poor condition or failing in any way, it might make a squeaking noise.
Solution: If it is the starter motor that is causing the problem, it will have to be checked by a mechanic and replaced if necessary.
Issues with the Alternator
Cause: The battery is recharged by the alternator as long as the engine is running. If the alternator starts to fail, the bearings or a wear-out pulley usually make a squeaking noise.
Solution: Make a check on the alternator and find the fault, if any, if the bearing or pulley is damaged; otherwise, it has to repair or replace the alternator.
Cold Weather Conditions
Cause: Cold weather can make rubber parts (such as belts) stiff and less supple, causing them to squeak.
Solution: Let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving. This will make the belts more flexible and reduce the noise.
Worn Out Pulley Bearings
Cause: Pulleys guide the serpentine belt around engine components. As the pulley bearings wear, squeaking can occur when you first start the engine.
Solution: Check if the pulley is damaged and causes any line to jam because of wear on the bearings. If the answer is true, then the pulley will have to be replaced.
Preventive Measures for Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
Regular Maintenance
You should always check and periodically replace your car’s belts and pulleys to ensure they are performing as they should and to avoid unpleasant noises and possible breakdowns.
Use Belt Dressing
Belt dressing is a spray used to condition rubber belts, reduce squeaks, and improve grip. Dress belts after fitting to reduce squeaks temporarily.
Warm Up Your Engine
If it is chilly, wait for a few minutes after your engine starts before you drive. When the car is sitting, the engine’s belts and other components are tight and brittle, ready for resistance when you first lower your windows. The extra tension on the belts produces higher-pitched noises that can sound like squeaks.
Professional Inspection
If it’s not clear to you why the squeaking noise, check with a knowledgeable mechanic who should be able to run some checks and find what’s wrong and fix it.
FAQs About Squeaking Noise When Starting Car
Why does my car make a squeaking noise when I start it?
That squeaking sound when you first start up your car is usually caused by a loose or cracked serpentine belt, a worn-out belt tensioner, a problem with the alternator, or a bad starter motor. Rubber parts tend to become brittle in cold weather, which can sometimes result in squeaks. Good maintenance and attention to these parts will either minimize or eliminate any squeaks.
How can I identify if the serpentine belt is causing the squeaking noise?
Inspect the serpentine belt near its drive pulleys for cracks, fraying, or glazing, and listen for the noise near the belt as the engine is running. If the belt looks worn or damaged or the noise emanates from its vicinity, it is likely the culprit and should be replaced.
Can I drive my car if makes a squeaking noise when starting?
Though the car might run without needing to replace the squeaky turn signal stalk, it is certainly not a good idea to do so. The squeak may indicate that one of the more important parts, like the serpentine belt, alternator, or starter motor, may be misaligned, and driving with such a problem will likely result in either costly or dangerous issues, more costly than a turn signal and maybe even cause you to be stranded. The best course of action is to come up with the diagnosis and fix the issue.
At the risk of stating the obvious, these are signs of a failing alternator that could cause a squeaking sound – dim headlights, dashboard battery warning light, and electrical issues (including a stalling engine). It will probably be the alternator pulley that is squeaking or the alternator bearings. Examine it carefully. Check it and replace or repair it if you find any of these symptoms, plus the associated noise.
How much does it, on average, cost to fix a noise from a squeaking car?
It depends on the damage. The belt will set you back £50 to £200, all in. The belt tensioner is £150-£250, and if the alternator or starter motor needs replacing, that’s £300 to £800 plus. Go to a garage to get a diagnosis as to what pre-existing damage has been caused, then take your bill and get an estimate.
Conclusion
Squeaking Noise When Starting Car can be an annoyance or signifier of a bigger problem with your car. If you find out what is likely the cause of the squeaking and use the solutions to fix the problem, you can make your car last longer.
If you get a professional to take a look at your car and solve the problem for you, or if you just do it yourself, it can help you keep your car in good condition and maintain your car.
However, when you start your car, you should not be alarmed if you hear a squeak because you can fix the problem. You can solve the squeaking issue by using the appropriate tools to fix the sounds in your car.