Started my car this morning and it made a screeching noise for a few seconds. I had a look but the belts were looking ok. It had poured down last night so some damp might have got in there. Should I take it to my garage for a look ??

Well if it's squealing then probably the alternator belt, out of interest how long ago was the timing belt done ?

And if the belts look ok and there's no problem with the battery charging etc then I wouldn't worry too much, if it happens again I'd take it to a garage if you don't fancy doing an alternator belt yourself, wouldn't think it would be very expensive for new belt + tensioner

Thanks for the help.

It doesn't have a timing belt , it's a chain. I've had the car 6 years and none of the belts have been changed. It was ok this morning.

Out of interest what engine do you have ?

Out of interest what engine do you have ?

Says 1.2 70 bhp 12v below his name.

 

FWIW our 09 HTP has a little chirp some damp mornings: 70K+ with original aux belt.

 

 

In answer to the original question:

 

The belt is automatically tensioned and it's a pretty broad "serpentine" thing with a long service life.

It's one of the few things the garage hasn't asked to change (yet).

 

Leave well alone.

Edited 4 January, 201610 yr by johnh510

Sorry I only ever use the site on my mobile and so I can't see that info