Advice

What happens if you drive without a drive belt?

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What happens if you drive without a drive belt?

Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. Without the serpentine belt, the power steering pump, which provides hydraulic pressure, no longer functions.

How long can you drive with a bad drive belt?

There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.

Can I drive with my belt off?

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It is best to not drive a car with a broken belt, even for a short distance. Get the car towed or get a mechanic to come to the car to replace the belt. No power steering,no ac,no water circulating, no alternator.

What happens if your timing belt breaks?

If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.

Can I drive without alternator belt?

Once the car is running, the alternator supplies the power for these functions, AND recharges the battery. You can drive your car without either of those belts. However, you won’t get very far without the belt that turns your alternator.

What happens if no serpentine belt?

Most vehicles do not use a serpentine belt to drive the engine’s coolant pump, driving such a vehicle without the serpentine belt is possible, but not advised. If however, your vehicle’s coolant pump is driven by the serpentine belt, driving without the belt will overheat and damage the engine.

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How do I know if my car needs a new belt?

If you suspect your serpentine belt is failing, watch out for the following symptoms:

  1. Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle. If you notice a squealing noise coming from the front of your vehicle, it could be from the serpentine belt.
  2. Power steering and AC not working.
  3. Engine overheating.
  4. Cracks and wear on the belt.