Why is my Ford Focus making a high-pitched squealing noise when I accelerate?

I recently purchased a used Ford Focus and have noticed that whenever I press on the accelerator, there is a loud squealing noise coming from the engine. It seems to happen more often when the car is cold. Is this a sign of a bigger issue with the car or something that can be easily fixed?

It is possible that this noise could be due to a loose or worn belt in your engine. I recommend taking your car to a trusted mechanic to have them inspect and potentially replace the belt if necessary. It's better to address this issue sooner rather than later to avoid any further damage.

I had a similar issue with my Ford Focus and it turned out to be a problem with the pulley bearings. I would suggest checking with your mechanic to see if that could be the cause of the noise. They can easily be replaced and shouldn't cost too much.

Another possibility is that your car is low on power steering fluid. Check the levels and top it off if needed. If that doesn't solve the issue, it could be a sign of a bigger issue with the power steering system.