Car squeals when started

It sounds like you need to get your alternator belt tightened. Trevor Smith

I think Trevor is right that it is probably a slipping belt you are hearing.

Tightening may be possible, or it may not.

Some cars have tensioners to control the tightness of serpentine belts, and further tightening may not be an option.

If the belt is wet with oil or water, or if the contact surface is shiny and/or cracked, you will need to replace it.

In some cases, the tensioners lose their strength and they may have to be replaced.

Sounds like a bad belt or the tensioner assembly is going bad.

Are you leaving the A/C or defrost engaged when you stop/start the car? Does it still squeal if you turn it off?

I agree with the other posters that it is a belt issue, but leaving the A/C compressor clutch engaged doesn't help.

nate

x-no-archive: yes

Thanks to all of you for your input. Huh, I do always turn on the defrost. I'll have to start while leaving it off first and see how it sounds. Hadn't thought of that.

Look at my earlier post "Presea camshaft lubrication". I had exactly the same squealing noise problem on my Nissan Presea (this may have a different model name in the US). Like you, I assumed it was a minor belt problem, although my attempt to tighten the belt didn't have any effect. Luckily my wife by chance encountered a mechanic who heard the noise and told her it was a serious engine problem. I was very sceptical but he turned out to be right. Removing the valve cover (a 5 minute job) showed the extreme wear occurring on one camshaft, as a result of inadequate lubrication. I suggest you do this, because leaving it unattended could have serious consequences. As part of the repair the mechanic flushed the engine to get rid of all the metal particles. He also changed over to semi-synthetic oil (10w40).

that's a very alarming story i hope that the probability is too low for it to affect my car.

I've been running _only_ synthetic (either Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20) and my engine is happy. Because I live where it is sub-zero Farenheit, I don't like the idea of gelled motor oil in my engine until it heats up. For the couple of extra dollars, I can't think of a better way to prevent unnecessary engine wear.

For people who live in warmer climates, I guess it isn't an issue, but I live *up North,* and it -definitely- is an issue. It goes below zero here quite often.