What Causes the Squeaking Sound When Starting a Car?
3 Answers
The reason for the squeaking sound when starting a car is: excessive wear of the flywheel teeth, which requires replacement of both the flywheel teeth and the starter motor gear. The steps for starting an automatic transmission car are: 1. Turn the ignition key to the power position; 2. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from P to N; 3. Release the foot brake and start the engine; 4. Allow the engine to warm up while stationary; 5. Press the foot brake, shift the gear from N to D, and release the handbrake; 6. Gradually release the foot brake and smoothly press the accelerator to start moving. The steps for starting a manual transmission car are: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Move the gear lever to engage first gear; 3. Gently push down the turn signal lever to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle that you are about to start; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Slowly lift the left foot until the clutch reaches the half-engaged position, causing the vehicle to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle begins to move, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
Every time a friend asks me about the car making a squealing noise when starting, I think it's quite a common issue. Usually, it's due to worn-out bearings in the starter or problems with the belt. The small parts inside the starter can wear out over time, causing a harsh noise during startup, especially noticeable during cold starts. As for the belt, issues like looseness or aging of the alternator belt or air conditioning belt can cause significant squealing when slipping. Additionally, loose battery connections leading to unstable current can also generate noise. My advice is not to delay when you hear such sounds. First, check if the belt has any cracks or is loose, and then visit a repair shop as soon as possible to see if the starter needs maintenance or replacement. Regular maintenance can save you from major troubles. I've seen many people ignore these minor issues, only to end up unable to start their car and spending thousands on repairs.
My car also made a squeaking noise when starting the day before yesterday, which made me very nervous. I immediately called a mechanic I know to ask about it. He said the most common causes are a slipping belt or a starter motor issue. Belts can become loose or cracked over time, causing a squeaking sound when they rub, and worn starter motor bearings can produce similar noises. He taught me to try a simple DIY check first—press on the belt in the engine compartment to see if it's tight, and also inspect the battery terminals for oxidation or looseness. If the noise persists after addressing these, professional attention is needed. Ignoring it could lead to mid-drive failures, such as starting issues that compromise safe driving. Make it a habit to inspect and maintain the belt system every six months to avoid costly major repairs.
