Can the Engine Be Shut Off Immediately When the Belt Breaks and Overheats?
4 Answers
No, the engine should idle for 3-5 minutes before shutting off to avoid cylinder scoring or sticking. Below is relevant information about engine belts: 1. Classification: Engine belts are divided into timing belts and water pump belts. Timing mechanisms use either belts or chains, with chains being maintenance-free and requiring no attention during the vehicle's lifespan. As rubber components, belts age over time and typically need replacement between 50,000 to 120,000 kilometers. 2. Causes of Breakage: Seized tensioner pulley bearings can lead to belt stretching; difficulty in crankshaft rotation may cause timing misalignment, oil seal leakage, or oil contamination of the belt, reducing its service life.
When the engine belt breaks accompanied by high temperatures, I would advise against shutting off the engine immediately. After the belt breaks, the water pump stops working, and the coolant cannot circulate. Shutting off the engine right away would cause the internal temperature of the engine to rise sharply. It's best to slow down gradually to a safe location and keep the engine idling for two to three minutes, allowing the cooling system to use the remaining circulation to lower the temperature. Wait until the temperature gauge needle drops slightly before shutting off the engine. I once encountered a similar situation—letting the engine idle to dissipate heat after stopping prevented more severe damage, and then I had the car towed to the repair shop to replace the belt and water pump. Otherwise, the cylinders could deform under high temperatures, potentially leading to repair costs exceeding tens of thousands.
When I see the water temperature gauge maxed out along with a broken belt, I would let the car idle for a few minutes before shutting it off. A broken belt stops the water pump, causing the coolant to stop circulating and leading to heat buildup in the engine. Turning off the engine immediately traps residual heat, which may result in cylinder head warping or gasket failure. After pulling over, don’t rush to turn off the ignition—keeping the engine running allows the fan and water pump’s residual inertia to assist in cooling. Experienced drivers know that abruptly stopping a hot engine can cause cylinder block cracks, and the repair costs won’t be cheap. Also, check for coolant leaks to ensure safe driving afterward.
When the engine belt breaks and the temperature is high, you should let the car idle to cool down before shutting it off. This is because the belt-driven water pump stops, and the coolant won't circulate, which can worsen the overheating. Turning off the engine immediately would trap the remaining heat, potentially damaging the cylinder head gasket or even causing piston seizure. Once, I encountered this situation on the highway—I pulled over and let the engine idle for five minutes before shutting it off. This helps protect the internal engine components from heat damage. Later, I had the car towed to a repair shop, where replacing the belt cost me 800 yuan. The mechanic said that if I had shut off the engine immediately, repairing the engine could have cost five or six thousand yuan.
