Q: Car screeching when starting

asked by on February 03, 2016

When I start my car, there is a screeching noise. In addition, every time I press the gas pedal, it screeches.

Sounds like your are having problems with your drive belt/s. The screeching sound comes from the belt slipping on one of the pulleys it is riding on. If it is slipping and you give it more throttle, it’s just going to make it worse. Depending on the type of belt your have, it may just be lose and simply need to be tightened. If your car has a serpentine belt, it may be necessary to replace the automatic tensioner to resolve the issue. A qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, should be able to help you diagnose the screeching noise and determine if the type of belt you have is in need of repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I reactivate the audio system?
When your vehicle has been disconnected from its power Source (for instance when the battery dies or is replaced), then the audio system will need to be reactivated. Here’s how to reactivate the system: 1. Turn the ignition to On....
Something rattling inside car door
Hello. The rattling noise you are hearing in the door is probably due to a nut or bolt that has come loose and has fallen to the bottom of the door. With a power window regulator, the window glass and...
Noise when i turn heater on for while to defrost or vents. 2003 Chevy Impala
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2003 Chevrolet Impala. The noise you may be hearing is the blend door actuator clicking until the door gets into the position it needs to be in. When these actuators go bad...
Vibration during acceleration
Hello there, vibrations issues are a common problem with your 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The most common causes of vibration are wheel and tire balance, engine mounts, misfire condition, control arms, or the struts. A qualified technician such as one from...
what does it mean when your car starts knocking in the front near the tires?
Hi there. The best way to diagnose any problems with the front end is to have a professional mechanic take a test drive. However, the symptoms you are describing are similar in many ways to worn out brake pads (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-brake-pads)....
We just putting in a brand new battery and alternator and last for the week battery now it won't hold a charge
Several issue may be causing the battery to not charge or not hold a charge (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-will-not-hold-a-charge-inspection). The first and easiest step is to trace the wiring circuit involved with the starting system, and visually inspect it for any physical damage....
Car starts but won't stay running
Hi there: Actually, instead of trying to trace this as an ignition issue, the problem is most likely fuel related; perhaps as simple as clogged or dirty throttle body or fuel injectors that need to be cleaned. Completing this service...
Car Periodically Won't Start, Battery is perfectly fine.
Hello, thank you for writing in. If the engine is not turning over when you try to start the car then the starter is not receiving power, or is not using the power. Several components must pass the electricity through...
turn off lock horn 08 highlander
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are both ways to lower the volume and turn off the audible alert that sounds when you lock and unlock the car. They both have their own procedure that is available in the...

Related articles

What Causes Spark Plugs to Wear Out?
Without operational spark plugs, your engine won’t run. If even just one plug were to fail, the change in functionality would...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
How to Install an Ignition Switch
When When your ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/ignition-switch) fails, it can cause a number of different issues. You may experience anything from a failure to start, to a stalling problem, to a series of electrical issues. There is never a good time...