What Causes the Zizzing Sound When Starting the Car?

[Georgia]

The zizzing sound after starting the car may be due to the following reasons: 1. Carbon deposits in the engine. Over time, old engine oil becomes thinner, leading to an accumulation of carbon deposits. When new oil is added, the engine may not adapt to the oil's viscosity immediately, potentially causing higher RPMs and increased engine noise. Solution: Regularly clean the car's intake system at a 4S shop to reduce carbon buildup. 2. The engine oil does not meet the standard or is overfilled. Excessive oil in the engine creates unnecessary resistance to the crankshaft's rotation, affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. Solution: Change the engine oil regularly, maintain an appropriate oil level (slightly below the upper mark on the dipstick is ideal), and clean or replace the oil filter cartridge periodically.

[VanFelix]

A buzzing sound when starting the car is most commonly a belt issue. From my experience, it's usually the sound of the alternator or air conditioning belt slipping, often caused by aging, looseness, or oil contamination on the belt surface leading to friction noise. Belt slippage can prevent accessories from functioning properly, affecting charging or cooling. Additionally, worn internal components of the starter motor may produce similar noises. The starter is responsible for cranking the engine, and if the gears or motor are faulty, it may squeak during startup. Another possibility is a damaged belt tensioner pulley bearing or poor electrical contact causing arcing sounds. If you encounter this issue, don't panic. Open the engine compartment and check the belt tension and wear when the engine is cold. If the belt feels loose or shows cracks when pressed by hand, it should be replaced promptly. Long-term neglect could lead to more serious failures, such as belt breakage, which could compromise driving safety. It's advisable to visit a professional repair shop for an inspection to prevent potential hazards.

[SanEthan]

I noticed a constant squealing noise when starting my car recently, which was quite annoying. After consulting a few car-savvy friends, they suggested it's likely due to belt slippage. Upon reflection, I realized that as belts age, they tend to loosen, causing friction and noise during rapid component rotation at startup. In some vehicles, it's the power steering pump belt causing trouble, producing an unsettling screech. Loose battery connections might also create minor sparking sounds, though this is relatively rare. My friends advised checking belt tension – adjusting if too loose or replacing the belt entirely. Routine maintenance, like monthly belt inspections, can prevent such issues, avoiding costly and inconvenient repairs. Now I understand that squealing isn't just noise; it could signal underlying problems, and addressing them promptly brings peace of mind.

[DeArthur]

The squealing sound is quite common during startup. I've fixed similar issues myself several times, and most of the time it's caused by belt slippage. For example, when the alternator belt or air conditioning compressor belt ages and cracks, the car makes a squeaking noise upon starting. Belts becoming hardened or loose can also cause this. Occasionally, a seized tensioner pulley bearing can produce noise. Starter issues are less common, but if the internal motor is worn, it can make a similar sound. I prefer using simple tools to check: before a cold start, visually inspect the belt for cracks and press it to test elasticity. If necessary, buy a tension gauge to adjust belt tightness. Handling minor issues yourself can save money on repair shops. Long-term neglect of the noise may lead to belt breakage, which is risky, so timely repairs ensure safety.