belt and alternator problem?
Hello! Once again I am reminding you all that I know next to nothing about cars, and changing my own battery and umm whatsitcalled.. air filter was an accomplishment for me. So. Lately, whenever I turn on my car ('specially when it's real cold) an ungodly screechy animal being tortured sound is emitted from under my hood, and only stops after driving it for 1-3 minutes. Besides embarrassing, I'd like to know what it is and if its connected to my other problem.
A driver I work with, who knows a bit about cars merely due to his age told me that the reason my car is somewhat loud in general, is my alternator. How do I confirm/deny this myself?
TIA