Here's why:
* The serpentine belt powers essential components: The serpentine belt drives the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and in some cases, the air conditioning compressor.
* Without the belt, these components will fail: Without the belt turning these components, they won't function. This will lead to:
* No power steering: Making the car very difficult to steer.
* No charging: Leaving the battery drained and unable to start the engine.
* Engine overheating: Without the water pump circulating coolant, the engine will overheat quickly.
* No AC: In some models, the AC won't work.
Superchargers are separate: While some Riviera models may have had superchargers, the supercharger is usually driven by a separate belt, not the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is vital for basic car operation, regardless of whether a supercharger is present.
In short, driving without a serpentine belt is incredibly dangerous and will cause significant damage to your car.