Your car, truck, or C/SUV relies on the water pump to circulate coolant through the engine to keep the temperature below 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair advises that if the temperature rises above 220 degrees, your engine will overheat. The water pump lasts approximately 100,000 miles. Therefore, if you drive an older automobile, your water pump may be going bad if you notice any of the following signs of water pump damage.
1. Corroded Water Pump
Corrosion can damage the water pump by eating through the metal housing. If your water pump is corroded, this is a sign that the water pump has a minor leak. The engine’s coolant will leak out of the water pump and gather around it. Unfortunately, this corrodes the pump and damages it. As the coolant continues to eat its way through the metal, you will end up with a larger leak.
2. Coolant Spots/Puddles
Once that happens, you will have coolant spots or puddles on the garage floor. This is an indication that the water pump is hemorrhaging coolant and needs to be replaced right away. You cannot drive your automobile if the coolant isn’t circulating through it. If you do, you will drive with the engine too hot and this can seriously damage the engine including cracking the engine block.
3. Bad Coolant Circulation
The water pump may not spring the leak but if the coolant isn’t circulating through the engine, this is also a sign that the water pump is damaged. The malfunctioning pump may be unable to circulate the coolant, and, consequently, your engine will overheat. You need to have coolant circulating through the engine at all times to keep the temperature normal.
4. Grinding/Whining Noises
If you hear grinding sounds coming from the engine, this is a sign that the water pump is malfunctioning. The internal mechanisms may be worn and are grinding against each other. This might also sound as if your engine is growling. The water pump is attached to the accessory belt and it helps power it. Whining noises indicate a problem with the belt.
5. Constant Overheating
Finally, as briefly mentioned above, all of these things will make your engine overheat constantly. Again, it’s important that you avoid driving your automobile if the engine is overheating. Driving it when the engine is too hot can cause serious and unnecessary damage.
Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair is the best auto service shop in Canton, MI, so call us today to set up a service appointment if you believe your vehicle’s water pump is damaged.
