The serpentine belt drives essential engine components like the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. Without this belt functioning correctly, these components cease to operate.
Continuous operation of a vehicle without a functioning serpentine belt leads to rapid overheating, loss of power steering assist, and battery drain. This can result in significant engine damage, loss of vehicle control, and ultimately, becoming stranded. Historically, vehicles used multiple belts for these functions, which could be bypassed individually if one failed. The modern serpentine belt system, while more efficient, creates a single point of failure.
