What are the effects of a broken car air conditioning belt?
2 Answers
The air conditioning belt only drives the air conditioning compressor, so if it breaks, it will not affect the normal use of the car. However, there are two points to note: first, if you feel it has broken, remove the remnants to prevent damage to other belts' normal operation. Second, if you hear a squeaking sound from the belt, do not turn on the air conditioning. Below is some relevant information: 1. Timing belt: Once the timing belt breaks, the relative position of the piston and valves becomes inaccurate, causing them to collide and damage each other. Normally, when the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the valves should be closed, ensuring the piston never comes into contact with the valves. 2. Accessory belt: If the accessory belt breaks, it won't cause damage to other components, but the connected parts will stop working. The most significant impact is on the power steering pump; if it stops working, steering will become difficult. The power steering pump is responsible for making steering light and easy. Without it, steering becomes very heavy. People with strong arms might still manage, but those with less strength, such as some women, may find it impossible to steer.
A few days ago while repairing a car, I encountered a vehicle with a broken AC belt. The owner complained about unbearable heat inside the car. The belt connects to the AC compressor, and once broken, the compressor stops working, resulting in no cooling at all. But that's not the worst part. Many cars have belts that also drive the alternator or water pump. If the alternator fails, the battery drains quickly, potentially leaving the car stranded on the road. If the water pump stops, the engine overheats, and the dashboard coolant temperature warning light immediately comes on. Broken belt fragments can also damage other nearby belts or components, causing even bigger problems. If you hear a squealing sound from the belt or notice a burning smell while driving, consider it a warning—get the belt checked for wear at a professional shop immediately. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent such sudden issues, ensuring peace of mind and safety.
