Best Auto Repair News & Updates

 

We take pride in the vehicles that we buy with our own money, and the best way to ensure that purchase is worthwhile is to take equal pride in its maintenance. If you treat your car with high-quality responsibility, it will reward you with high-quality performance. To ensure that you’re receiving the best care possible, do your research and find the best repair shop in your area.

What is a water pump and what does it do?

The water pump is the primary part of your vehicle responsible for maintaining the constant flow of coolant from the radiator throughout the engine. This pump is controlled by the engine’s serpentine belt, and its blades force coolant to flow through the engine and back to the radiator before the cycle repeats itself. If the water pump is working correctly, the engine should be maintaining a comfortable and constant temperature.

It’s easy to maintain a healthy water pump by regularly checking that the engine coolant is in good condition and has the right amount of antifreeze. This stops the water from freezing over in cold temperatures and helps protect against rust. When taken care of, the water pump in most modern cars will last a long time, but they will start to deteriorate with constant use.

Signs Your Water Pump is Failing

Even a well-maintained water pump will eventually break down, but external situations can also damage it, such as broken fan blades or worn water pump bearings. When you’ve been lax in your vehicle maintenance, there are a few warning signs that your water pump’s life is declining. It’s important to contact a certified mechanic to replace it before additional components of the engine are damaged if you notice one or more of the following:

• Coolant Leak: There are multiple gaskets and seals to keep the coolant contained in your engine, but when they dry out, crack, or break, coolant will leak from the water pump to the ground, pooling in the front-center underneath your car.
• Unusual Sounds: When the water pump pulley is loose, you might hear a high-pitched or thumping sound coming from the front of your motor. This needs to be fixed promptly as it cannot be repaired once the bearings fail inside the water pump.
• Overheated Engine: With a failing water pump, coolant won't circulate throughout the engine block, resulting in overheating capable of causing cracked cylinder heads, pushed head gaskets, or burnt pistons.
• Water Pump Corrosion: You may notice mineral build-up, rust, or contamination on the water pump, often caused by the incorrect coolant, that halters cooling.
• Radiator Steam: If you notice steam coming from the front of your motor as you drive or come to a stop, your engine is badly overheated. You need to pull over to a safe area and immediately call a mechanic.

The water pump can still be damaged even without the apparent sign, and it’s safe to have your car checked if you suspect something more serious. While your car will still be drivable, it is never recommended to drive it with a faulty water pipe.

When ignored, a damaged water pump will self-destruct your engine due to overheating and can cause further irreparable damage. It will always be less expensive and more efficient to repair or replace the pump than to let it worsen.

Huron Automotive for the Best Car Care

If your car is due for service or you suspect something is wrong with it, call or visit Huron Automotive today. We have provided Green Bay and its surrounding areas of Ashwaubenon, Bellevue, Howard, Luxemburg, and Suamico with high-quality service for over a decade.

At Huron Automotive, we pride ourselves on our customer service, the quality of our services, and our wide selection of brand name products. At both of our locations in Green Bay, WI, our helpful staff works with you to make sure your car gets the service it needs. From there, our Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics will walk you through the maintenance process, making sure that you’re aware of the service your car needs every step of the way. Call us today for an appointment.