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Is it safe to drive a car without the serpentine belt?

No, it is extremely unsafe to drive a car without the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt drives many essential components, including the alternator (which charges the battery), the power steering pump, the water pump (which circulates coolant), and the air conditioning compressor.

Driving without it will likely result in:

* Loss of power steering: Making the car extremely difficult and dangerous to steer, especially at higher speeds.

* Overheating: The engine will overheat quickly without coolant circulation. This can cause serious and permanent engine damage.

* Loss of electrical power: The battery will drain, leading to failure of lights, power windows, and eventually, the engine stalling.

* Failure of air conditioning: A minor inconvenience, but not a safety hazard in itself.

In short, driving without a serpentine belt risks significant damage to your car and creates a serious safety hazard for you and others on the road. If it breaks, pull over to a safe location immediately and have it replaced.