Home FAQ

Can I drive my car with a bad serpentine belt?

The concise answer: in most cases, you should not continue driving. A failing serpentine belt can fail suddenly and disable critical systems such as the alternator, power steering, and cooling, potentially leaving you stranded or causing engine damage.

What the serpentine belt does

The serpentine belt is a long, ribbed belt that drives multiple engine accessories from the crankshaft. It powers the alternator (charging the battery), the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor, and often the water pump. If the belt fails, these systems can stop working, which can lead to a stalled engine, loss of steering assist, charging problems, or overheating, depending on your vehicle’s configuration.

Warning signs of a tired or worn belt

Watch for these common indicators of belt wear. If you notice any of them, have the belt inspected promptly to avoid a roadside breakdown.

Cracks or fraying on the belt edges

Missing ribs or chunks of belt

Squealing noises from the engine, especially on start-up or at idle

Glazing or a shiny, slick surface on the belt

Battery warning light or changes in power steering feel

Regular maintenance and prompt inspection can prevent unexpected belt failure, especially as the belt ages or as the vehicle operates in harsh conditions.

Should you drive now or seek help?

Even if the belt looks only mildly worn, it is not wise to push the car to a repair shop. A belt can fail suddenly, leaving you stranded or causing engine damage if the cooling or charging systems stop working.

If you are already driving and hear squealing or notice a warning light, pull over safely as soon as possible.

Do not continue driving long distances; arrange for inspection and replacement by a qualified mechanic.

If the belt breaks, you may lose power steering and alternator output, and the engine could overheat. Steer cautiously and stop in a safe place.

Note that some vehicles use electric power steering or electric water pumps, which can alter the immediate consequences of a belt failure. Regardless, belt issues are signs of a maintenance item that should be addressed promptly.

What to do next

Have the belt inspected by a certified mechanic. If replacement is needed, it is a straightforward service that can prevent a roadside breakdown. If you must move the car to a shop, keep the trip short and avoid high speeds or heavy loads.

Summary

Driving with a bad serpentine belt is generally not recommended. The belt powers key systems—alternator, power steering, and cooling in many vehicles—and a failure can lead to a dead battery, loss of steering assist, overheating, and engine damage. Regular inspections and timely replacement help prevent breakdowns and keep your vehicle running reliably.

How urgent is serpentine belt replacement?

Systems Failure: If your power steering or air conditioning fails, it is absolutely time to replace your serpentine belt, and you should do so immediately. Complete Breakdown: If your belt fails completely, your vehicle will experience a total breakdown – not a situation you want to be in on the Big Lake roads!

What happens if you have a bad serpentine belt?

A bad serpentine belt can cause several system failures, including loss of power steering, non-functional air conditioning, and the battery not charging, all of which can be preceded by warning signs like squealing noises or visible cracks. If the belt breaks, critical systems like the water pump will stop working, potentially leading to rapid engine overheating and costly damage.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt: 1mHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Jan 2, 2024
Signs of a failing serpentine belt

Squealing noise: A high-pitched squealing, especially on startup or when turning, often indicates the belt is slipping.
Visible wear: Look for cracks, fraying, or missing chunks on the belt's surface.
System malfunctions: If the belt is slipping or failing, it may cause the A/C to stop working, the power steering to become difficult, or the battery to not charge properly.
Engine overheating: If the belt drives the water pump, a failing belt can cause the engine to overheat rapidly.
Warning lights: The battery warning light may illuminate, or other electronics may flicker or dim.

What happens if the belt breaks completely

Loss of power steering: Steering will become heavy and difficult, particularly at low speeds.
Engine overheating: The water pump will stop circulating coolant, causing the engine to overheat quickly and potentially leading to severe damage.
Electrical system failure: The alternator will stop charging the battery, which will cause the lights to dim and the car to eventually die.
Air conditioning failure: The compressor will no longer be driven, so the A/C will stop working.

What to do

Inspect regularly: Have a mechanic inspect the belt during routine maintenance.
Replace proactively: Replace the belt according to your manufacturer's recommendations, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, to prevent sudden failure.
Pull over immediately: If the belt breaks while you are driving, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible to prevent further, more expensive damage.

How long can you drive with a bad serpentine belt?

You should not drive with a bad serpentine belt; a failure can happen suddenly, and you may only have a very short time, possibly just a few minutes to a mile, before serious engine damage occurs. Driving without a functioning serpentine belt will cause the engine to overheat quickly, and you will lose power steering and alternator function. It is best to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic.
Immediate consequences of a broken belt

Overheating: The serpentine belt drives the water pump, so once it breaks, the engine will rapidly overheat. You could cause severe and expensive damage if you continue to drive.
Loss of power steering: You will lose the power-assist for steering, making it extremely difficult to turn the wheel.
Battery drain: The belt also drives the alternator, which charges the battery. Without it, the battery will drain quickly, and the vehicle will eventually shut down completely.
Engine damage: A broken belt can also cause other components to be damaged, such as a timing belt, leading to catastrophic engine failure.

What to do if the belt breaks

Pull over immediately: Find the nearest safe place to pull off the road as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms.
Turn off the engine: Shut off the engine to prevent further damage from overheating.
Do not attempt to drive further: The risk of causing thousands of dollars in engine damage is very high, so it is not worth trying to drive a short distance.
Call a tow truck: Have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to have the belt replaced.

Can serpentine belt ruin an engine?

Yes, it can. If your engine depends on the belt to drive the water pump and you keep driving after it fails, overheating is almost guaranteed. Running an engine hot—even for a few minutes—can warp cylinder heads, damage gaskets, or seize internal components.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.