Ok, so I ended up going a bit too far when I parked my car, and my bumper scraped and the side popped out of place. It wasn't too big of a deal because it was already kind of loose as it is, but when I left a few hours later, my car was making an extremely high pitched squealing noise as I pulled out of the parking spot. I kept driving and eventually it went away.

The only thing though, is that almost every time I come to a full stop, once I start accelerating, the squealing comes back for a few seconds then goes away. Also, it was raining a bit today, and I heard that rain can cause this squealing so that might be where it's coming from, but I'm not too experienced with cars, so I don't know if this might have something to do with me scraping the curb or it's just a coincidence.

Should I be concerned or just brush it off for now? Is there even anything on the bottom of the car around the bumper area that could be the cause of this noise after being damaged? I have a 2002 Honda Civic LX.

EDIT: Ok so I went back out and drove around my neighborhood (it stopped raining an hour or so ago) and it made the squeaking noise a tiny bit when I first started my car, but now it's gone. Should I still look into checking on the belt/getting it replaced?

 

Look under the car? Anything could have happened.

 

tighten the belt first you should be fine. how many miles are on the belts ???

 

Ok, I will give that a shot tomorrow if the car still squeals (it actually did it again today for a little bit after a cold start) when I start it and I'll post back with results.

 

mine squeaks after rain and after starting the car in the morning due its just a loose belt i have yet to tighten.

 

Ok so I guess I spoke too soon, because it's still squealing.

First off, I am having issues because I have no idea how to tighten the belts, so I need some help haha. And second, I have a picture, and both of the belts have cracks, so I think I might need to change them.

 

If your belts have cracks in them then should be replaced. Cracks are going to get bigger and then the belt could snap. Then you're going to have more problems then just fixing a belt.

 

Is that something I could be done at home or would I be better off taking it to the shop?

 

I personally can't say because I don't know your mechanically inclined or not. Some people don't know how to change a tire or put air in a tire. Others can do engine, transmission swaps. Everyone has different levels of expertise. If you can't do it then I'd take it to a mechanic.

 

This would involve loosening some bolts, prying on the alternator and/or power steering pump to slacken the belt, remove belt and put on new one, then move the alternator and/or power steering pump into position so the belt is tight, then tighten the bolts.