Dan h described what would happen if your timing belt/chain broke.. fortunately the consiquences aren't as dire if your SERPENTINE belt snaps. Most vehicles have the following systems or devices powered by the front engine accessory drive belt (FEAD belt) AC compressor Power steering pump Alternator Fan (some vehicles do and some don't) Water pump
All but one of these things can be lived without, at least for a short time. If your belt snaps and your water pump stops your engine will overheat in no time flat., say you're cruising through a rural area and your belt snaps a mile and a half away from the next town, your car will get you there, but you had better turn it off once you get into town. After a belt snaps you've got 2 miles before you absolutely need to shut your car down to avoid damage.
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Dan h described what would happen if your timing belt/chain broke.. fortunately the consiquences aren't as dire if your SERPENTINE belt snaps. Most vehicles have the following systems or devices powered by the front engine accessory drive belt (FEAD belt)
AC compressor
Power steering pump
Alternator
Fan (some vehicles do and some don't)
Water pump
All but one of these things can be lived without, at least for a short time. If your belt snaps and your water pump stops your engine will overheat in no time flat., say you're cruising through a rural area and your belt snaps a mile and a half away from the next town, your car will get you there, but you had better turn it off once you get into town. After a belt snaps you've got 2 miles before you absolutely need to shut your car down to avoid damage.