Posted on 7/25/2025
Hearing a loud screeching noise when you start your car can be alarming and frustrating. While your vehicle might still run, ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. Understanding what causes these noises and addressing them early helps keep your vehicle reliable and prevents unexpected breakdowns. What Causes Screeching at Startup A screeching noise when starting your engine is often linked to one or more worn or damaged components in your car's belt system. The most common culprit is the serpentine belt, which drives multiple accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. Over time, this belt can wear out, crack, or lose tension, leading to that high-pitched squeal. Another possible source is the starter motor or the connections in the starting system. However, in most cases, the noise you hear is belt-related rather than a problem with the starter its ... read more