Here's why:
* Belt Degradation: The chirping indicates the belt is slipping because it's dry, cracked, or worn. Continued use will worsen the wear, potentially leading to belt failure. A broken serpentine belt means your alternator, power steering pump, and other essential components stop working. This could leave you stranded and potentially cause damage to those components.
* Water is a Temporary Fix: The water only provides temporary lubrication. As it evaporates, the chirping will return, and the belt will continue to wear.
* Underlying Issues: While a dry belt is the most likely culprit, the chirping *could* indicate other problems, such as a failing bearing in one of the components driven by the belt. Ignoring it could lead to more extensive (and expensive) repairs later.
What to do:
1. Replace the serpentine belt ASAP. This is the most likely and safest solution. It's a relatively inexpensive and straightforward repair, even for someone with limited mechanical skills. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, take it to a mechanic.
2. Inspect the belt tensioner and pulleys. While replacing the belt, visually inspect the tensioner and pulleys for wear, cracks, or other damage. These components are crucial for proper belt function and should be replaced if necessary.
Driving with a chirping serpentine belt is a gamble. The risk of a sudden belt failure and resulting damage far outweighs the inconvenience and cost of replacing it promptly.
