This 2006 Renault Twingo 1.2 was making some loud screeching noises from the engine bay on cold mornings. The source of the noise turned out to be the auxiliary drive belt, which was struggling to turn the alternator after the battery had been drained down from spinning the starter motor. This was not because the starter motor was drawing too much current, or because the battery was failing, but purely because the auxiliary drive belt was in such poor condition.

The auxiliary drive belt, like the timing belt should be replaced at 70,000 miles or 60 month intervals. My next question to the owner was when was the timing belt last done? If the visible belt was in this condition, what would the belt behind the cover look like.

Unfortunately, the owner thought I was just touting for business and ignored my suggestion that the timing belt should be checked.

Like many other, this engine will suffer from piston to valve contact in the event of the timing belt failure, so let’s hope the owner doesn’t have to worry about that.

At least the squeal in the morning has been cured with the fitment of a new belt.

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