No, driving with a noisy tensioner pulley is not safe and poses a significant risk of sudden engine failure, especially under the demanding conditions of the UAE. The pulley's bearing is likely failing, which can lead to the loss of tension in the serpentine belt. This belt drives critical components like the alternator, water pump, and, in many GCC-spec vehicles, the heavy-duty air conditioning compressor essential for our summers. A snapped belt from a seized pulley will cause immediate overheating and battery discharge. For common UAE models like the Toyota Land Cruiser with its V8 engine or the Nissan Patrol, the average cost to replace a tensioner and belt assembly ranges from 800 to 1,500 AED at independent workshops, depending on the model. However, ignoring it can lead to a total engine overhaul costing upwards of 15,000 AED. The RTA Dubai's vehicle inspection guidelines emphasize the importance of a functional belt drive system for roadworthiness. Furthermore, data from workshops aligned with MOI UAE's approved service centers shows that belt and pulley failures are a leading cause of roadside breakdowns during summer months when air conditioning systems are under constant load. A proactive replacement every 60,000 to 80,000 km is a prudent practice for most vehicles here, far more frequent than milder climates recommend, due to our extreme heat and dust.
