Belt squeaking sometimes?

[sonic2013hedgehog]

I have a 2013 Chevy Sonic LT 1.8L manual transmission and it's been making this occasional squeaking sound since I bought it in the winter. Sometimes it squeaks when it starts but goes away after driving a few miles, sometimes it doesn't squeak when it starts and then starts squeaking after a few miles. The mechanic I almost went to (I didn't, because the noise went away while I was driving) said it could have been the moisture in the winter, but it's already spring and the squeaking sound is still here.

Is this something to worry about? Thanks in advance for your inputs!

 

[TitanBlue]

Usually, if you spray a little water on the belt and the noise goes away, the belt is the source and needs replaced. If the noise stays, it is a pulley, usually the Belt Tensioner Pulley. A Belt Tensioner Pulley Bearing can wear out and make noise or cause drag and wear on the belt. If a Pulley Bearing (or A/C Clutch) locks up, your belt can suddenly break. Look, look, look. Turn A/C On and Off and listen for change.

I would suspect the belt and/or Belt Tensioner. I'd test it, look carefully with a bright flashlight for ANY indication of the belt cracking in the groove area.

If it was mine, I would replace the belt and tensioner as they are both 8 years old and unlikely to be like new.