What could a missing air pump drive belt lead to in terms of emissions?

A missing air pump drive belt can lead to an increase in emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to the air pump's essential role in the vehicle's emissions control system. The air pump is designed to introduce additional air into the exhaust system, which helps to ignite unburned fuel and lower emissions during the cold start or during specific operating conditions.

When the air pump is not functioning because the drive belt is missing, proper combustion does not occur. This lack of adequate air supply leads to a scenario where there is insufficient oxygen to fully combust the hydrocarbons present in the exhaust gases. As a result, unburned hydrocarbons like HC are significantly increased.

Moreover, incomplete combustion due to the lack of oxygen also results in higher levels of CO because, without the necessary air, the combustion process is less efficient. Additionally, if the combustion temperatures are inadequate due to lower oxygen levels, this can also contribute to higher levels of NOx.

In summary, the absence of the air pump drive belt disrupts the intended function of the vehicle's emissions control strategy, leading to the emission of excessive HC, CO, and NOx, rather than just one or two types of pollutants. Therefore