# Car hesitating when driven through puddles **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** chevrolet, cobalt\ **Created:** [October 30, 2012, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-hesitating-when-driven-through-puddles/75261 "2012-10-30T21:35:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ahaight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@ahaight](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ahaight)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-hesitating-when-driven-through-puddles/75261/1 "2012-10-30T21:35:24Z")
I drive a 2009 Chevy Cobalt. A really great car except for that when I drive through a puddle of water (no matter how deep) and have to stop immediately after, it hesitates and makes a squealing noise as soon as I hit the gas. My interior lights will also dim and the force my air/heat is blowing will lower. After about 5-10 seconds, however, the car will act normal. My check engine light does not come on nor any other lights indicating an issue. Thought it could possibly be a belt but not sure. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-hesitating-when-driven-through-puddles/75261/2 "2012-10-30T22:03:16Z")
It sounds like your serpenyine belt is getting wet and slipping. Time for a new belt. And perhaps a tensioner check. Also, most cars today have splsha shields under the front end. Does yours? Did yours? ---
**Author:** ![ahaight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@ahaight](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ahaight)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-hesitating-when-driven-through-puddles/75261/3 "2012-11-08T06:39:28Z")
I had been told by others that it may be the serpentine belt. I am not sure if my car has a splash shield or not, that isn’t something I thought to check. I do thank you for a reply. Will definitely have to check into this some more.