Whenever I let off the accelerator, I hear a squell coming from the engine. I examined my belts and they are pretty well glazed. Could it be that one is slipping and causing the squelling noise? If so, I have to head home for college for christmas break, and thats about a 250 mile trip. Could I just tighten the belts to keep them from slipping and take my risks on the trip home, or is it better to replace them?

 

is it all of your belts or it just one. i imagine it is the water pump belt i would replace it just to be sure

 

i would go ahead and change them its easy to do and it is a good thing to do if your belts are looking bad.

 

^^^
.....good rule of thumb with most rubber parts actually....

 

I also noticed that it only happens when the car is in gear, could it be something else? The squel only happens when the car is in drive, and only happens for a second or two tops when I let off the accelerator.

 

it only happenes in gear because the motor is under load. i know all about squeeky belts. get a new set (witch i need to do) and tighten them to spec then drive away

 

holy **** there's a spec for belt tightening?
Sounds like the belt that goes to the alt and water pump (most likely).. It's not really a big deal, but you have to replace the belt anyway and it takes a whole 5 mins and you gotta loosen like 1 bolt.. so I'd go for it. And belts are also like 5 bucks max.