Can the car still run if the air conditioning belt is broken?

[RyderMarie]

The air conditioning belt only drives the air conditioning compressor, so if it breaks, it will not affect the normal operation of the car. Below is relevant information about the car air conditioning system: 1. Introduction to Car Air Conditioning: The car air conditioning system consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components. It is used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the car, providing a comfortable environment for the driver. 2. Working Principle: When the compressor is running, it sucks in low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator. After compression, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase, and it is sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, turning into a liquid. When the liquid refrigerant flows through the throttle device, its temperature and pressure decrease, and it enters the evaporator. Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the car's interior air passing through the evaporator and evaporates, turning into a gas. The gas is then sucked back into the compressor for the next cycle.

[MacBennett]

I experienced a sudden AC belt breakage last year and immediately pulled over. This is no trivial matter because this belt not only drives the AC compressor but also connects to the water pump and alternator. Once the belt snaps, the water pump stops instantly, coolant circulation halts, and the engine will overheat within minutes with warning lights. Continuing to drive risks cylinder scoring or even complete engine failure. The steering wheel also becomes extremely heavy as the power steering pump stops working. Even if you're in a hurry, you must shut off the engine and call a tow truck. Forcing to drive could turn a few hundred dollar repair into tens of thousands.

[Lukas]

I learned the hard way that you should never push on when the AC belt breaks. That time on the highway, the AC suddenly stopped cooling, and the steering wheel became extremely heavy. When I got out to check, the belt had snapped. This thing controls the water pump, and without it, the engine cooling system shuts down. The dashboard water temperature gauge shot up to the red line in just a few minutes—keep driving, and the engine would be toast. Plus, the alternator stops working, so the headlights start dimming as you drive. Forget about using the AC; even basic driving becomes dangerous. I ended up calling roadside assistance, and towing it for repairs only cost a few hundred bucks. If I’d been foolish enough to keep driving, fixing the engine would’ve cost tens of thousands.

[AdrianaLee]

If the belt breaks, don't drive. It's not just about the AC not cooling. It's connected to the water pump, and without coolant circulation, the engine temperature will skyrocket in no time. Last time I encountered a steering wheel as heavy as if it was locked, it was also due to a belt issue. If you're in a hurry, it's better to stop and call for roadside assistance—it'll save you a lot of money.

[Isabella]

Never drive with a broken AC belt! I tried it, stopping immediately is the safest. Once the belt snaps, the water pump stops, and the engine can overheat and seize within just a few kilometers. The steering wheel also becomes heavy and hard to control, making an accident even worse. Pull over right away, turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, and call for a tow truck. Waiting up to half an hour is much better than spending tens of thousands on engine repairs.

[StGenesis]

As someone who drives long distances every day, I have to say that driving with a broken belt is just digging your own grave. Once it breaks, not only does the air conditioning fail, but the engine cooling also stops immediately. The water temperature skyrockets, and even the cylinders can get damaged. The steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, making it difficult to turn the wheels, which is very dangerous. Last time, my friend didn't believe it and drove home, only to end up with a 4,000 yuan repair bill. Just pull over safely and call a tow truck. Replacing the belt only costs a few hundred yuan.