Picture this scenario:  You are on a long-distance drive across the country with your family to visit your favorite theme park destination.  After hours of driving, you are somewhere in the middle of the southwest desert and your engine begins to overheat.  The nearest town is hundreds of miles away and you have to pull over in the midday heat that’s topping 110 degrees! You may have water pump problems!

What now?  

If this scenario makes you sweat just reading about it, then read on to learn more about your vehicle’s water pump and ways you can mitigate this type of roadside disaster!  In this article, we cover some basics on your vehicle’s water pump and the typical problems that can damage your water pump, and ultimately your vehicle engine.

What is a Water Pump?

Your vehicle’s water pump is a very important component of your engine’s operation.  The water pump serves the role of circulating fluids (mixture of coolant and water) through your engine block, hoses, and radiator.  Because a combustible engine is in constant motion, this results in an increase in temperature.  Coolant is necessary to maintain an optimal temperature of the vehicle so that the engine does not overheat or fail.

A water pump is controlled by a serpentine belt that is connected to the crankshaft pulley.  A functioning pump will continuously move the fluids around the engine, through the hoses and radiator and then back through the engine to complete the cycle.

The most common problems that will cause your water pump to fail are (1) broken water pump fan blades, (2) loose water pump bearings, or (3) water pump leaks.  Problems with a water pump require immediate attention as they can lead to further damage of your vehicle’s engine.  The best way to stay on top of your water pump is to look for visible signs that something’s wrong.

What Signs Do You Notice with a Failing Water Pump?

When your vehicle starts to experience water pump problems, you will notice specific signs and symptoms.  You should address these symptoms with a service professional as soon as possible to avoid a full engine breakdown.  Ignoring water pump problems is not advisable.

Typical symptoms include:

• Overheated engine: An overheated engine is a major sign that something’s wrong in your vehicle’s coolant system.  Ignoring an overheated engine can result in further damage to cylinder heads, gaskets, or pistons.
• Steam from engine: When you see steam rising from the hood of your vehicle, it’s time to pull over and open the hood to let the engine cool.  Continuing to drive with an overheated engine could result in full engine failure.
• Coolant leaks: If you notice coolant on the ground under the front of your vehicle, it’s possible that there’s a dried, worn, or cracked gasket or seal.  This means that the coolant that is supposed to be flowing through your vehicle’s engine is no longer there to provide temperature control.
• Loose pulley or belt: If the belt or pulleys that control your vehicle’s water pump are worn or loose, it may make a high-pitched noise when operating the vehicle.  These are subject to cracking and wear and tear from constant vibration and heat.  If they are not providing adequate motion to circulate fluids, this will impact your coolant system and vehicle temperature.

How Can You Avoid Water Pump Problems?

One of the best ways to avoid a problem with your water pump is to maintain the coolant.  Checking coolant levels periodically as well as having the coolant fluid flushed are two ways to ensure that the lubricants in your coolant system are working properly.  Consult with your vehicle’s owner’s manual or service professional to determine the right timeframe for a coolant flush.  Typically, coolant flushes are done every 30-45K miles.

Additionally, checking for worn belts and hoses can help to identify potential problems on the horizon.

Remember, if you want to avoid being stranded on the road in the middle of nowhere, make sure to keep a healthy coolant system for your vehicle.  To schedule an appointment for a cooling system service or to have your water pump replaced, contact Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey, today.