My air has been working ok (doesn't exactly freeze you out, but does come on). Today driving on the highway I started hearing a squeel.

It sounded like a belt and there was some smoke. I quickly turned off the air and the car went back to normal. Any thoughts as to what this is? Is there an AC belt driving my compressor?

One other thought on this that may help is that when I turn on the compressor the engine would rattle more than usual. Perhaps this is related???

I need to avoid trips to the shop. I've loaded enough into the AC already so any help is really appreciated.