The water pump is an important part of your car's cooling system. The water pump draws coolant from the radiator and pumps the coolant through the engine. The coolant draws away the heat from the engine parts to keep them cool as it circulates through your car's engine. When the coolant returns to the radiator, the outside air and the radiator fan reduce the temperature of the coolant before the coolant moves through the engine again.

Below are the signs that your water pump is failing:

Coolant Leaks

Coolant leakage from the water pump is a common and clear sign that it is time to replace the water pump. Since the coolant is stored in the water pump with multiple gaskets and seals, radiator fluid leakage will mean that the parts have worn out, loosened, or cracked. Coolant comes in various colors, such as red, green, and orange.

Overheating

A dead or dying water pump does not have the power to circulate coolant through the engine of your car. As a result, your engine will overheat due to lack of or inadequate coolant circulation. This should be attended to in time as when the engine gets hotter, it can result in severe problems such as damaging the pistons, cylinders, and head gaskets. The engine block can also crack due to extreme heat.

Do not drive your car if your engine is running too hot or if you see steam coming from underneath the hood.

Corroded Water Pump

Various elements and factors can corrode you water pump, including mineral buildup, non-compatible or dirty engine coolant, air that seeps through a defective pressure cap, and even age. If you see rust or tiny holes on the exterior of your water pump, it is time to replace your car's water pump since the corroded one cannot work efficiently.

Whining Noises

If you hear a high-pitched whining noise coming from the front of your car's engine, your water pump could be failing. Since a water pump uses a belt or pulley to operate, a loose pulley makes whining noise which is also referred to as harmonic buzzing. This noise may also be due to worn out bearings located inside the motor of the water pump.

Getting Started

If you suspect your car's water pump is failing or you have any other cooling system problems with your car, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Don's D.I. Auto & Truck Service today.