Today my car screeched :(

[ampfp]

Starting off, reverse to first, It screeeeeeeeeched for about 5 full seconds. I wasn't pushing hard or dragging the clutch. Just pulling out slowly. Then it went away.
I've heard this screeching before in other cars, don't know what it is though! What could be wrong? :(

[carter1551]

loose belts? should be able to fix it on your own.

[ampfp]

So I've just bought the car at 90k, and the previous owner had the belts changed because they came off! Could there still be a problem?

It was raining all day... does that count for anything?

[The Destroyer]

Just tighten the belts. They can come loose and make a horrible screech at times.

[poison]

Mine did that too. Once, for 15 seconds. Hasn't done it since. Meh.

[i12drivemyMP5]

They stretch, therefore they screech. Retighten as was stated.....

[widgit117]

Also if it was raining and the belts got alittle wet (humidity) then that can cause the belts to lose some traction and screech. It happens.

[ampfp]

So I shouldn't be throwing the towel in on my used car deal yet?!
That makes me happy :)

[magnumP5]

Nope, not yet ;) Just give the belt tensioners a little turn. Go little by little until the squealing stops. This way you will avoid over-tightening the belts.

Also, not to scare you or anything, but if the old owner says the belts popped off there could be a pulley misalignment. This is unlikely though and I would proceed with the tightening first.