What’s The Reason for That Squeaking Sound in Your Car?
Posted on December 10, 2019
Here’s a mental exercise for you; imagine you’re driving down the road when all of a sudden you start hearing a squeaking sound coming from your car. It’s natural to panic in such situations.
Furthermore, it’s not always easy to detect the reason for the noise, because of which you have no choice but to deal with the annoying sound throughout your journey. Oh, and did we mention how embarrassing this sound can sometimes be?
In a majority of the cases, the reason for the sound is a worn-out serpentine belt. Let’s find out more:
What Are Serpentine Belts?
Checking the Drive Belt EPDM serpentine or drive belt refers to a single engine belt, which is used for controlling multiple components in the engine. These include the alternator, compressor, and power steering pump.
A person who knows a thing or two about car engines might argue that none of these components are required to power the wheels.
They are right; however, these components do affect the performance of other parts of your car such as the air conditioner, car battery and the steering wheel.
When the serpentine belt breaks, it prevents the alternator from charging the battery. As a result, your car doesn’t start. You also struggle with controlling the steering wheel.
There’s a reason why they are so commonly found in modern vehicles. Compared to their predecessors, these are durable. They have high resistance to heat as well as stress and therefore do not easily wear down or get torn.
The Reason for The Squeaking Sound
Furthermore, it’s not always easy to detect the reason for the noise, because of which you have no choice but to deal with the annoying sound throughout your journey. Oh, and did we mention how embarrassing this sound can sometimes be?
In a majority of the cases, the reason for the sound is a worn-out serpentine belt. Let’s find out more:
What Are Serpentine Belts?
Checking the Drive Belt
A person who knows a thing or two about car engines might argue that none of these components are required to power the wheels.
They are right; however, these components do affect the performance of other parts of your car such as the air conditioner, car battery and the steering wheel.
When the serpentine belt breaks, it prevents the alternator from charging the battery. As a result, your car doesn’t start. You also struggle with controlling the steering wheel.
There’s a reason why they are so commonly found in modern vehicles. Compared to their predecessors, these are durable. They have high resistance to heat as well as stress and therefore do not easily wear down or get torn.
The Reason for The Squeaking Sound
The squeaky sound that you hear is an indication that the belt is old and needs to be replaced. It also makes these sounds when it goes out of alignment.
Therefore, when you first start noticing the sound, make sure you inspect the belt and see if the indicator is located right between the high and low marks. A low mark is an indication that the belt needs to be replaced.
Another reason for the noise is that the car’s pulleys aren’t turning properly. Noise can also be a sign that the belt has extended beyond its size.
The belt also hardens over time due to exposure to contaminants. As a result, the belt might be slipping. Sometimes this too can lead to squeaky sounds.
Need to get your serpentine or drive belt fixed? Get in touch with us at Smitty's Auto Service. We are an auto repair shop based in Gainesville. We offer a wide range of car auto repair services. Contact us now at (352) 373-3060 for further information.
Author: XBTMOM
Next: Choosing a Certified Auto Repair Shop
Previous: When To Replace Your Car’s Timing Belt
Therefore, when you first start noticing the sound, make sure you inspect the belt and see if the indicator is located right between the high and low marks. A low mark is an indication that the belt needs to be replaced.
Another reason for the noise is that the car’s pulleys aren’t turning properly. Noise can also be a sign that the belt has extended beyond its size.
The belt also hardens over time due to exposure to contaminants. As a result, the belt might be slipping. Sometimes this too can lead to squeaky sounds.
Need to get your serpentine or drive belt fixed? Get in touch with us at Smitty's Auto Service. We are an auto repair shop based in Gainesville. We offer a wide range of car auto repair services. Contact us now at (352) 373-3060 for further information.
Author: XBTMOM
Next: Choosing a Certified Auto Repair Shop
Previous: When To Replace Your Car’s Timing Belt