Can you drive a car with a broken serpentine belt?
Some cars have the water pump driven off the timing belt and some cars have more than one serpentine belt, so which accessories would work and which wouldn’t would vary depending upon your car and which serpentine belt was broken.. Some cars have an electric fan. It is best to not drive a car with a broken belt.
What do you need to know about the serpentine belt?
Before going any further, you need to understand what the serpentine belt is used for. The serpentine belt is a vital part of your car’s engine. It’s an inexpensive rubber belt that connects and drives your car’s essential components: the alternator, power steering pump, ac compressor and sometimes your water pump.
Why is my serpentine belt cracking at engine speed?
Rhythmic noises occurring at engine speed are caused by a delaminating belt backing, chunking of belt ridges, or foreign object embedded in belt groove. Excessive cracking if not severe old age, then it is a sign of defective tensioner. Ensure that you are familiar with any of this sounds so you may identify the malfunction easily.
What happens if you attempt to drive with a broken belt?
Some cars have an electric fan. 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. Everything it turns will stop working.
Is it safe to drive with a broken serpentine belt?
Do not drive your car with a broken serpentine belt. Your car will overheat because the serpentine belt drives the water pump (and without a serpentine belt, the water pump doesn’t circulate coolant through the engine and radiator) and it also drives the alternator which keeps the battery charged.
What are the symptoms of a broken serpentine belt?
There are various symptoms that may indicate your car’s serpentine belt is wearing down, including: Squealing or chirping noises: When the serpentine belt starts slipping, it may begin to chirp or squeal . This sound indicates that there is belt stretch, low belt tension, or the pulley and belt are not working together correctly.
How long does it take to replace the serpentine belt?
For professional automotive technicians with the right tools and training the replacement of a serpentine belt usually takes about 30 min to an hour. This time varies by the make, model, and year of vehicle that you’re driving as some take longer than others.
When serpentine belt breaks?
When a serpentine belt breaks, all drive power to whatever it turns is lost. This means the water pump stops circulating coolant through the engine, the alternator quits producing power, the power steering pump ceases to assist steering, and the air conditioner quits cooling.
What happens if you drive without a drive belt?
If your water pump is turned by the crank pulley and serpentine belt, you can drive unti the engine overheats or the battery dies. Overheating is likelier first. If the water pump is turned by the timing chain/belt, then it’s up to your battery to keep things uh bingin’ and uh bangin’.
What is the average life span of a serpentine belt?
The lifespan of the serpentine belt will depend mostly on the type of material it’s made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.