Water pumps definitely play a very important role when it comes to the car cooling system. Without a working water pump within your car it can cause your car to severely damaged by overheating.
The truth is that you can’t expect your water pump to last forever, and when damaged it doesn’t tend to work properly. If this happens, the best thing you can do is to replace your water pump as soon as possible just to be on the safe side.
The role of a water pump is to actually move water from the radiator through the engine and back. In order for your engine to be kept cool, there should be a constant flow of coolant from the radiator to the engine. Once your water pump is working as it should, you can expect your car to maintain a constant operating temperature and it will run smoothly.
The average lifespan of a water pump is considered to be 60,000 to 90,000 miles, so here are some signs your water pump might be failing.
Signs Your Water Pump May Be Failing
It’s very important to actually know the signs of a failing water pump. The reason for this is because it can help you to catch the problem before it is too late. Once a water pump fails it can also damage the engine without having the chance of being repaired.
1. Overheating
If it’s a case where you’ve notice your temperature gauge rising in your vehicle, then this could be a sign of your water pump failing. There’s no doubt that an overheating car is very risk on the road as there might be an engine failure. The hotter the engine gets, the chances increase of serious damage, including a cracked engine block and damage to the cylinders, piston and head gasket.
As soon as you notice that your car is overheating, the best thing you can do at this point is to actually take your car to a mechanic so they can vet the issue and get the problem fixed.
2. Coolant Leaking
The leaking of coolant is without is one of the most common culprit and this means that it is now time to replace the pump. The pump is said to be made of several different gaskets and seals that will eventually dry out, crack or break. Whenever things like these occur, the coolant will begin to leak from the pump.
The coolant is usually green, orange, or red, so whenever you see a puddle after pulling out of your driveway, you should consider bring your car into the mechanic shop so that they can check to see what is causing the problem and fix it right away.
3. Rust or Corrosion
As soon as the water pump starts to leak, you will definitely notice a build-up of gunk or rust on the pump itself. The reason for this is because your actually using non-compatible coolant or it could be a defective pressure cap that allows air to enter the system. At this point, your pump will become less effective which will eventually lead to your pump failing.
Take the time out to pop the hood of your vehicle in order to identify the rust or tiny holes on the exterior of the pump. Once you’ve seen any form of rust, it’s now time to get the water pump replaced.
4. Noise
Have you heard a whining noise whenever you accelerate? There is a high chance that this loud, annoying noise is caused by a loose accessory belt. It’s safe to say that loose belt are often a result of a loose pulley or bearings that needs to be tightened or replaced. If you are constantly hearing a whining sound at the front of your vehicle, the best thing you can do is take it to a mechanic for inspection to avoid the risk of a fail water pump.
5. Steam
If it’s a case where you notice steam coming from the front of your car when driving or stopping, is without a doubt a sign of overheating. When a water pump is no longer working, it’s not capable of moving coolant through the engine which result in your car overheating. Once you have notice any form of steam, then it is best to pull over and call your mechanic right away.
Conclusion
Once you’ve notice any of these signs above, you should definitely call your mechanic so that they can inspect your vehicle to see what is causing the problem and get it fixed. By simply catching the problem at an early stage, you can save time, money and the challenges that comes.