Hello all,
I went out for a hike this morning, and when I returned to my car and started it, I heard a squeal coming from the engine compartment. It hasn't had any trouble with squeals prior to this event. As I drove down the road, the squeal dissipated, but when I pulled up to stop sign, and then got going again as I shifted through 1st and 2nd it was noticeably loud, then dissipated again. When I got back, I left it running and popped the hood, and could hear a sort of squeal coming from the side opposite the timing belt, my original thought for what may be wrong. Not sure what's going on, not sure what could make a squeal from that side. I'm currently in college, so the car is parked for about a week at a time in between drives. Could something have happened while it was sitting? As a side note, would you recommend I leave the battery connected? Even though I don't drive that much, reliable transportation it sure nice!
Thanks for any help

 

check your accessory (a/c, power steering, alternator) belt tension and adjust if it needs it

 

x2: Do a test with the engine running at idle rpm: switch on all electric devices you can think of (headlight, rear window defroster, fog lights..). If the squealing sound gets louder then it is definately the alternator belt.

Leaving the car sit for a week with the battery connected should be no problem.