Newbie- Belt change.

I noticed that the alt belt was smoking this am. It wasnt driven for over a week and we got some freezing rain and snow. I opened hood and noticed the belt wasnt even turning. I shut off the engine and pulled on it. Then started up the engine again. I didnt see smoke or hear squel so Igave it a bit of gas and wham the belt flew off.

Well I am a newbie and can change oil but that is about it.. How hard is it to replace the belt. It has AC.

If I shouldnt change it myself, can I drive it?

Actually I think the tensioner is bad. There is a repair shop down hill from me that is about 15 blocks away with one stop light between my house and them.

I know I wont have a water pump but I live in Minnesota, just not sure if it will keep running that far.

I wouldn't risk driving it 15 blocks w/o having your water pump; it only takes 10 minutes for an engine to burn up w/o coolant flowing. Try turning the other pulleys (alternator, power steering, A/C) by hand and see if one is seized up.

By the way, what engine do you have?

And what year?

Actually I think the tensioner is bad.Triple A (AAA) tows 5 miles on their basic plan, up to 100 miles on their Plus Plan. The great thing is, it covers the person, not the vehicle. SO, say you were in friend's else's car and it broke down... AAA would tow your friends car even though your friend might not be covered by AAA.

Oh, I agree with your belt tensioner theory... same thing happened to 100,000 miles ago.

Actually I think the tensioner is bad.Triple A (AAA) tows 5 miles on their basic plan, up to 100 miles on their Plus Plan. The great thing is, it covers the person, not the vehicle. SO, say you were in friend's else's car and it broke down... AAA would tow your friends car even though your friend might not be covered by AAA.

Oh, I agree with your belt tensioner theory... same thing happened to me 100,000 miles ago.

Actually I think the tensioner is bad.I agree with your belt tensioner theory... same thing happened to me 100,000 miles ago. Don't even THINK about driving your vehicle without a serpentine belt. VERY bad idea.