Why does my car make a horrible shrieking noise when I first start the engine?

Answer by  Dbthompson (28)

Very often if a vehicle emits a very loud high pitched squeel when it first starts the problem can usually be attributed to a belt (either AC crank Belt[usually not necessary], or Serpentine Belt[car can't run without one] which is wearing out and needs replacing.

Answer by  bazillion (87)

Your starter motor has a gear that engages teeth on the flywheel. When these teeth - either on the starter gear or on the flywheel - are damaged, you get strange noises.

Answer by  DouglasEarlClore (1236)

The most likely source is a belt. The question is which one. It could be a fan belt, an air conditioning belt, a power steering belt, or a serpentine belt.

Answer by  kaiote (45)

You have wet or loose belts in the engine. You should either tighten them yourself, or take them to a professional if you have never done this yourself. If this does not work, it is because they are wet, and something may be leakign under the hood.