Related: Why is My Car Overheating?
Related: What Are Those Noises?
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Basically, your car engine’s water pump facilitates the operation of your cooling system. It ensures your engine runs at an optimal temperature by controlling how the coolant flows through the engine , hoses, and radiator. A belt from the crankshaft powers the water pump so that cooled water continues to flow into the engine block, continually cooling internal temperature while your engine is running.
Easy ways to help maintain a healthy water pump include keeping an eye on your coolant and ensuring the proper ratio of antifreeze is used. If there is not a sufficient amount of coolant in your car, it will cause extra strain on your water pump because there is not enough to adequately cool the engine. The role of antifreeze is to keep the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures and to act as a rust inhibitor. If there is not an adequate amount of antifreeze, you risk small particles breaking off inside your engine, causing extra wear on those internal parts.
Knowing when your water pump is wearing out or about to fail can help head off major car repairs in your engine and cooling system. Because the water pump is essential in both systems, you may notice symptoms in both areas.
A sure-fire sign that your car’s cooling system has a problem is if you notice your engine temperature getting warmer than usual while you drive. This issue can indicate several different parts of your car are in need of repair, from hoses and gaskets to a whole new water pump. It’s also possible that you simply need to add more coolant, though that is an indication of a larger issue as well. Any time you notice your engine running warm, you should head to an auto shop to get the problem diagnosed.
As the bearings in your car’s water pump wear out, they will start to make a grinding noise. However, it may be difficult for you to decipher if the noise you’re hearing is coming from the water pump or some other part of your engine. Whenever you hear grinding coming from under your hood, it’s likely a serious issue that should be checked out by an expert mechanic to prevent further damage.
Related: 10 Noises You Should Not Ignore
This may also be tough to diagnose at home, but it is a sign that you have a seal or gasket on the water pump that is wearing out or has failed. You may notice drips under your car if this is the case. If you’re able to catch this issue early on, it is a relatively simple car repair that your local mechanic can take care of for you easily.
With a suspected coolant leak, you can check the level of your coolant by opening the hood of your car. It’s important to wait until the engine is cool to remove the coolant cap, but then it should be simple to see whether or not you need to top it off. Beyond topping off your coolant, however, you should take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. And if you do top off your own coolant, be sure to use the correct type and ratio by consulting your owner’s manual.
The best way to head off problems with your water pump, and therefore your engine and other parts of the cooling system, is by keeping up with regular maintenance. This includes getting tune-ups done by a mechanic as recommended by your manufacturer. Especially if your car is older, a tune-up will make a big difference in your car’s gas mileage, performance, and the health of essential systems. Signs you have an impending water pump repair are also signs that you could use a tune-up service, so take any symptoms you notice seriously.
Whether you need routine maintenance or have a problem with your car’s water pump, our AAMCO Utah mechanics can help you sort it out. A water pump repair service can make a huge difference in how your car runs and the lifespan of your engine. Contact us today if you suspect a problem
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The post Everything You Need to Know About Your Car’s Water Pump first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
