I drive a 2007 Scion tC. My miles are like 185k.

So being lazy I get an oil change at a local take 5. If you’re unsure of what that is it’s like a little jiffy lube. I’m sure everyone knows what jiffy lube is.

Anyway, after this oil change I hear my car being loud like a Diesel truck. Me being a 25 yr old woman I ask the tech whats up with my car because two weeks after I need a top off. They say my car is loud. Its old. Its ok. Because I am used to running out of oil and my light cutting on I thought nothing of it just cutting off after I got oil again. 

Couple days pass my engine light cuts on again. I use my car for work. I’m a delivery driver and personal shopper. It’s embarrassing pulling up to these rich people with this loud earful of a car. So one day I cut the car on and was immediately embarrassed. I get out and look under the hood to see what’s going on. I’m listening and it sounds like it’s coming from the serpentine belt. So I fine i’ll change it with week. I cut the car off and inspect the belt. It looks good. No wear signs no cracking etc. (I didn’t check to see if it was loose🥲) I did notice a cut piece of clear pipe sitting behind the engine. I pick that up and it doesn’t look like it goes to anything. I do keep the pipe and put it on the back seat. 

I cut the car back on and it’s quieter and the engine light is off. I say thank God and go pick up an order. I get to the customers house. Well it was a senior citizens home so I park the car and go inside. I come back out, cut on my car and while I’m looking for a song I hear what sounds like hail on my hood. I’m like oh dang. I look under the hood. I see pieces of the belt flying. I can’t afford a tow so I know I have to get home to the backyard. So now I’m like dang I gotta get home. I know you can only go a couple miles without the belt. By the time I get to the second stop sign I can feel that it’s completely stripped apart. I get stopped at a red light and the car is now peaceful. I have never heard it quiet ever. So I’m panicking now. Like turns green but the next light I have to turn left. Totally forgot it controls power steering 😑 I can barely turn the wheel and the battery light is on. I’m 1/2 mile from home now and the car over heats. I’m like screw this and starts running stop signs at this point. 

I finally get home to the back yard. I pop the hood and the belt has splintered and tied a knot on the generator pulley. I see the tensioner pulley and water pump pulley has what looks like whip lashes on them. Not sure if they’re still okay to use or if they need to be replaced. The saw the radiator fluid popped open and it’s all gone as well as puddles of water on the bumper liner. I took pictures but I’m not sure if I’m able to upload them here.

I can’t afford to tow this car to an auto shop. I didn’t include that in my car insurance I have two cars. Take that part of the car I can work on myself did help some. Before you say drive the other one it’s the rainy season and the tires and brakes need to be done on that Infiniti. With that breaking system I don’t want to do them myself. I can’t afford to get that done so I have two cars just sitting up now. I only drive the Infiniti when I have clear weather and need to. 

I’ve said all that because I live pay check to pay check. I should not have moved to this city, it’s hard here. Anyways, I’m doing the job myself. The bulk of the price would be the towing and labor. I’m asking can I just cut off the old belt and replace it? I don’t have to replace any pulleys just the radiator fluid right? The dents on the pulleys shouldn’t matter? Plus can’t I do this alone? I’ll be taking off the passenger tire because I can’t really see crap. I’ve worked on my scion myself before but everyone keeps saying I’ll need help on this project and I don’t have that in this city. What all do I need to do or look for other than just replacing the belt? Sorry it was so much to read. I had to paint a very clear picture so I could get accurate help. 😁