Gearheads - I have a broken drive belt, and need to get my car to the repair shop 15 miles away. The manager there told me the only risk in me driving there is that my battery may run out of voltage. So I ask you: am I better off driving there as fast as possible, or will high speed discharge the battery more than low speed?
Thank you for your time. Godspeed
Drive as fast as you want. Your battery will only discharge when you use lights, turn signals, anything electric like your radio or headlights. If you're traveling in the day time you shouldn't have any problem. I wouldn't use your turn signals. only your brake lights will discharge the battery. I'd put the car in park and take your foot off the brakes if you're stopped at a traffic light. Good luck>
if you drive too slow the radiator fans may turn on which will further drain the battery.
you can use the "emergency brake" (only activates the rear brakes) to come to a slow stop. I'm almost positive it wont activate the rear brake lights.
Steve48yrsOld wrote:
Drive as fast as you want. Your battery will only discharge when you use lights, turn signals, anything electric like your radio or headlights. If you're traveling in the day time you shouldn't have any problem. I wouldn't use your turn signals. only your brake lights will discharge the battery. I'd put the car in park and take your foot off the brakes if you're stopped at a traffic light. Good luck>
The ignition system doesn't use electricity, it's completely powered by fairy dust.
forgot to add, 15 miles on the freeway will be easier on the battery then 15 miles of stop and go traffic
If the belt that drives the alternator also drives the water pump and you drive for 15 miles you will be in deep doo doo and the shop manager will get a big bonus. If it also drives the power steering you may get a good uper body workout. If the belt also drive the AC, roll down the windows (if the battery will still power the motors).
Make sure you know what components the broken belt drives before you do additional damage. Depending on the car there may be only one belt, or as many as three or four.