
The disappearance of abnormal noise after watering the belt indicates that the belt is slightly aged. Here are the methods to determine the cause of abnormal noise in the engine belt: 1. If there is abnormal noise in the engine compartment of the car: The belt is loose or the quality has deteriorated, so the engine belt should be checked first. 2. Use the method of listening to the sound to determine which belt has a problem: If abnormal noise occurs when the air conditioner is turned on, it may be a problem with the air conditioner compressor belt. 3. If there is a problem when turning the steering wheel, it may be a problem with the power steering pump belt. 4. If abnormal noise occurs during cold start of the car, it may be a problem with the engine belt.

Last time my car's belt was squeaking, I tried rinsing it with water, and the noise actually disappeared—it felt pretty miraculous. But this is only a temporary fix because water makes the belt surface slippery, reducing friction and noise, when in fact the belt is aging, with dry cracks causing slippage. If not addressed promptly, the belt could break, especially during high-speed driving, leading to major engine problems. A friend of mine experienced this—after the belt snapped, the engine overhaul cost several thousand dollars. So I suggest not relying on watering it; instead, visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible to inspect and replace the belt, or check if the tensioner pulley is loose. For regular car maintenance, I periodically check the belt's condition—generally, it should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Developing good habits can save you hassle and money.

My driving experience tells me that belt squeaking disappears after rinsing with water, which is quite common. I've tried it myself with effective results, mainly because water provides some lubrication, alleviating the dry sliding noise of the belt. However, this only masks the problem, and the root cause may be belt wear or tensioner failure, posing significant risks if driving continues. As a car owner, I believe we shouldn't take it lightly and must understand why the belt behaves this way: prolonged exposure to high temperatures, dust accumulation, or exceeding the service life can all lead to aging. I consulted a mechanic at the repair shop, who said regular inspection and replacement are key, with prevention being the priority. Similar issues are also common with air conditioning belts or alternator belts, so overall maintenance is essential.

I had a similar experience where the noise disappeared after watering the belt, and it felt much better, but I knew it wasn't a proper solution. The reason was that the water temporarily moistened the belt, reducing the squeaking sound, but in reality, it was still a sign of aging. I immediately went to the repair shop for a check-up, and the issue was found to be with the tensioner. The mechanic said that watering it could actually corrode the rubber. It's recommended to pay attention to any unusual noises in the vehicle and address them as early as possible.