The water pump in your car, truck, or utility vehicle should last approximately 100,000 miles. After this coveted mileage milestone, your vehicle is at a higher risk of having a faulty water pump. Cary’s Auto Service can inspect the water pump and replace it when it needs it. We are going to list five signs below that indicate that you have a bad water pump in your automobile. It’s important to have this problem addressed as soon as possible to avoid damaging the engine.
1. Corroded Pump Housing
If you take a look at the water pump and the housing is corroded, you have a small leak that is pooling engine coolant around the pump. Unfortunately, this will rust the water pump housing and eat away at the metal. In fact, you may see pinholes or pits that indicate that the metal is compromised. It’s important to have your water pump replaced at this stage or you’ll end up with a more serious leak.
2. Engine Coolant Leak
The more serious engine coolant leak will leave puddles or spots of coolant on your garage floor. You will see this residue underneath your vehicle’s engine near the front. Engine coolant comes in many different colors, so it’s important to know the color of your engine’s coolant in case it is leaking. Pop the hood when the engine is cold and look at the color of the fluid in the radiator overflow reservoir.
3. Poor Coolant Circulation
The water pump is the literal heart of your cooling system. It takes the coolant and circulates it through the engine to keep it cool. If coolant is not circulating through the engine, or if the circulation is poor, the water pump can be blamed. Replacing the water pump will restore the coolant circulation throughout the engine to help prevent the engine from overheating.
4. Growling or Whining
One thing that can affect the pump’s ability to circulate the engine coolant is an accessory belt that is too loose. If this is the case, you will hear whining noises coming from the engine when you start your automobile. If you hear growling sounds instead, the water pump’s internal mechanisms have worn out.
5. Constant Overheating
Finally, all of the above will cause your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine to overheat every time you drive the automobile. This is what can damage your engine in the long run. Call Cary’s Auto Service in Tempe, AZ, today if you believe you have a bad water pump in your automobile. We will inspect the pump and replace it if necessary.