We’re sorry you’re experiencing these frustrating squeals. As you suspected, this is most likely a belt issue, specifically your car’s serpentine belt.
Your serpentine belt is usually squeaky due to moisture getting caught in its grooves, causing it to slip. And this is easy enough to remedy using WD-40.
Park on a flat surface, engage the emergency brake, pop and prop the hood, and listen to the squealing from a safe distance while looking at the belt itself. You can usually spot the problem area on the belt, as it’ll squeak as it passes over the cog. It’s also a good idea to make sure all of the pulleys are moving and there isn’t a bigger issue at hand.
A short, quick burst of WD-40 on the belt’s grooves should take care of it. Be careful not to use too much WD-40 though, as that can cause the belt to slip even worse.
If you do need to replace the serpentine belt, don’t worry: they’re pretty cheap, usually ranging from $10 to $50. The labor itself should cost $100 to $200 depending on the mechanic and the car.
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