Can you drive with a damaged drive belt?
The short answer is yes, your car will start even if the serpentine belt is broken or missing. To get the car going, the battery sends power to your starter motor.
Will a broken fan belt destroy my engine?
Although some cars can be driven for short distances after the timing belt snaps, driving on a broken timing belt can destroy your engine. Once you have decided that the timing belt needs replacement, a car might be more susceptible to another identical problem that can cause huge issues in your car.
What causes a drive belt to break?
Serpentine belts can fail in a few different ways. This is usually the result of a belt in poor condition, or a problem with one of the accessory components being driven by the belt. A failed bearing in a pulley being driven by the serpentine belt will also cause the belt to break.
What causes belt to break?
The most serious failure is when the serpentine belt breaks completely. This is usually the result of a belt in poor condition, or a problem with one of the accessory components being driven by the belt. A failed bearing in a pulley being driven by the serpentine belt will also cause the belt to break.
Can I replace a serpentine belt myself?
You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.
Can you drive a car without the 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. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.