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Can You Still Drive If the Car Alternator Belt Breaks?

2 Answers

DelAshley

07/23/25 7:56pm

You can drive, but not for long, because at this time the power is being consumed from the battery, not supplied by the alternator. The car's alternator belt is a V-belt that connects three components: the engine crankshaft, the water pump, and the alternator. If the alternator belt breaks, the water pump also stops working. If you continue to drive under these conditions, the engine coolant cannot circulate to cool the engine, which can easily lead to blown head gaskets, and in severe cases, may cause engine scoring or cylinder damage. More details are as follows: 1. The car alternator is the main power source of the vehicle: its function is to supply power to all electrical devices (except the starter) when the engine is running normally (above idle speed), while also charging the battery. 2. Increasing the number of winding turns and adding lead-out terminals: Based on the three-phase stator winding of a regular alternator, the number of winding turns is increased, and lead-out terminals are added, along with an additional three-phase bridge rectifier. At low speeds, the output is from the original winding and the additional winding in series, while at higher speeds, only the original three-phase winding provides the output.

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DeRachel

08/10/25 5:53pm

I remember one time when the belt broke while I was driving. I barely managed to drive for a while before almost getting stranded on the road. As soon as the battery warning light came on, I knew the alternator wasn’t working. Relying solely on battery power is quite risky—it might only be enough to get you to the nearest gas station or service area. But if the water pump is also connected to that belt, things can get worse. The engine could overheat, smoke, or even get ruined. My advice is to turn off the engine and pull over immediately without hesitation if you notice any issues. Calling for a tow truck or roadside assistance is the safest option. Regularly checking the belt for cracks or wear can help avoid such sudden breakdowns. After all, safety comes first—a little delay is always better than spending a fortune on repairs.

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