How far can you drive without alternator belt?

How far can you drive without alternator belt?

Eight miles may be OK, but your battery only has at most 35-45 AH (amp hours) of reserve capacity when fully charged. It's using about 15-20 amps when running; while in theory you could drive for about two hours, if the battery is weak or not fully charged it could be a lot less.

Can a car run without an alternator belt?

You can drive your car without either of those belts. However, you won't get very far without the belt that turns your alternator. If the alternator isn't operating, while the car is running, all this juice comes from the battery. As the battery dies, the components start losing power.

Will a car run with a broken alternator belt?

The short answer is yes, a car can start with a broken serpentine belt. Your serpentine belt is responsible for powering the accessories in your car so if your serpentine belt is broken or disconnected it would not prevent your car from starting.

What causes alternator belt to snap?

Thanks for contacting us today. 95% of the time, frequent alternator or serpentine belt breakage is caused by either faulty pulley's or misaligned or un-properly adjusted belts. Belts that are not properly adjusted to tightness can also explain the smoke issue.

How long does an alternator belt last?

Like all other automotive belts, it is made of rubber, and that means that over time, it can deteriorate. Usually, you can expect your alternator belt to last 3-4 years. You should have it inspected regularly – a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check the alternator belt whenever you have an oil change.

Is an alternator belt the same as a timing belt?

A drive belt (also can be called accessory drive belt, serpentine belt, alternator belt, or fan belt) is a rubber belt that powers the engines accessories. This always includes the alternator and AC compressor. The timing belt drives the cam shafts of the engine and thus, the valves and timing of the engine.

Can a bad alternator belt drain your battery?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator Belt. A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.

When should I replace alternator belt?

Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

How tight should alternator belt?

Hold the belt between finger and thumb at this point and move it from side to side. See how much it deflects at the centre of the run. If it moves more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) it is too slack – any less movement and it is too tight.

Can a car run with a bad alternator?

The short answer is yes a car can be driven short distances with a faulty alternator. If an alternator is giving a low charge it will but a load on the engine trying to ineffectually charge a battery and the battery will slowly die as the alternator gets weaker and weaker and cannot sufficiently recharge the batter.