Power Steering Belt

[CatFanatik]

My power steering belt is shredding. I do not know how long this has been happening, but it became apparent yesterday when part of the belt shredded off and I heard a horrible noise under the hood. I cut the loose shredded part off of the belt. All is quiet again.
The belt is kind of off kilter, off to the left side of the belt pulley.. It's starting to shred on it's left. I looks about 1/8 shredded or so.
My question: Is it safe to drive my car? I just ran it for a few minutes and I didn't see any apparent further shredding. I don't know how fast the shredding is happening. If the worst happens (the belt breaks) .... will it be possible to steer the car?

[97integrals]

If the belt breaks you will lose power steering. You will be able to steer it will just be difficult. Why don't you replace the belt instead of leaving the shredded one on?

[CatFanatik]

Thank you.
I plan on getting the belt replaced this week. I couldn't today, it's Sunday and nothing was open.
I was posting to see if I could drive the car at all (to work, for example) before getting the belt replaced.
I'm making my appointment tomorrow.

Thanks!

- Carol

[tencent]

Like 97integrals said, you can drive the car but if the belt breaks it'll make steering quite difficult. It up to you if you feel safe with that with your driving abilities. Neways I would call in to work and just say you'll be late and go get it changed.. should take no more than like 30 minutes specially if you drop by auto zone and get the belt prior to getting it changed.