Will Your Car Start If The Serpentine Belt Breaks
The serpentine belt is one of the most crucial components of a car's engine. It is also called the drive belt, and it is responsible for powering the engine's accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
If the serpentine belt breaks, it can cause a plethora of issues in your car, including poor performance and complete engine failure. This article will discuss what happens when your serpentine belt breaks and whether your car will start or not.
What Happens When Your Serpentine Belt Breaks?
When the serpentine belt breaks, it stops powering the engine's accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. This, in turn, can cause a host of problems, including:
- The battery warning light may come on.
- The power steering will stop working, making it harder to steer the car.
- The engine could overheat and may shut down completely.
- The air conditioning will stop working.
- The water pump may stop working, leading to engine damage.
These issues can be alarming and may cause you to wonder whether your car will start or not. So, let's discuss whether a car can start with a broken serpentine belt.
Will Your Car Start With A Broken Serpentine Belt?
The answer to this question depends on the type of car you have. In some cars, the serpentine belt is responsible for powering the water pump, which is necessary for the engine to cool down. Therefore, if the serpentine belt breaks and your car has an interference engine, the engine could overheat, and the car won't start.
On the other hand, if your car has a non-interference engine, it may still start even if the serpentine belt breaks. A non-interference engine has enough clearance between the pistons and the valves that they won't collide if the timing belt breaks, causing the valves to remain stationary while the pistons move. However, if the serpentine belt powers the water pump, you won't be able to drive for long before the engine overheats and shuts down.
What Should You Do If Your Serpentine Belt Breaks?
If your serpentine belt breaks, you should immediately stop your car and turn off the engine. Continuing to drive your car may cause irreversible damage to your engine, further increasing your repair costs.
You should have your car towed to a professional mechanic, who can diagnose the problem and replace the broken serpentine belt. In some cases, the mechanic may also have to repair or replace other components, such as the water pump or alternator, that have been damaged by the broken belt.
Conclusion
A broken serpentine belt can cause a host of issues in your car, including poor performance and complete engine failure. Whether your car will start or not with a broken serpentine belt depends on the type of car you have. If you have an interference engine, your car won't start, but if you have a non-interference engine, it may still start. Regardless, if your serpentine belt breaks, you should immediately stop your car and have it towed to a professional mechanic.