Should I call Tom?

[{Dakota}]

When I am driving there is a constant squeek coming from the engine. What is it?

[nedflanders]

sounds like a loose fan belt.

[{Dakota}]

Thank you. What's a fan belt? Is it easy and inexpensive to repair?

{blush}

[forgetfultel]

The fan belt charges the battery while the engine is turning over. When it gets loose, it causes a squealing sound. This tends to happen most at low speeds, until the belt starts catching up with the engine. Should not be a big job to tighten, although I've never done it myself.

[jacko50]

hi dak, have a look if your generator light goes out when you rev your engine ,so it in car,start engine and let it tick over ,depending on the age of the car you should see an array of lights shining from youe speedo/fuel gauge/temp rature area ,there should be a red one that goes out just after you start up or when you rev slightly ,if it does not go out then it may well be your fan belt ,you need a couple of spanners and a lever to fix this it is really easy but if you do not know what to do of course its not but a friend with a bit of mechanical knolege could fix it at no cost in a few minutes. if the light stays on all the time even when you rev up the engine then it will probably be your alternator ,you need a garage to do this for you unless you have a friend again who is happy to do it .they cost around �50 i think you can exchange yours for a reconditioned one but don'tquote me on that .hope this helps best of luck.

[buildersmate]

Agreed that this is the most likley cause. If it isn't then the next candidate would be the bearings on the water-pump. They squeal when the pump needs replacing

[{Dakota}]

Thank you guys,

I can't see any red light when I start the engine or rev BUT I'm a complete dunce when it comes to cars, I only learnt how to put air in the tyres last month (oh the shame!). I will take it to a garage and try and remember what you have said so that I don't get fleeced!

Thanks again xxxxx

[saxo_boi]

Does the sound go when you push down the clutch?