If you drive an older automobile, the time for a new water pump will come sooner rather than later. Generally, Shums Auto Repair advises that a water pump lasts anywhere from 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles or about 10 years. We can replace your water pump when it goes bad to ensure your engine always operates under 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Below are five signs that your water pump is going bad.
1. Rust All Over the Water Pump
Pop the hood and take a look at your water pump to see if it is covered in rust. If it is, you have a slow leak that is pooling coolant around the pump. Unfortunately, because the coolant is a liquid, it will start to eat away at the pump’s metal housing. Consequently, you will end up with corrosion all over the water pump and the coolant will continue to eat through the pump until you replace it.
2. Leaking Coolant on the Garage Floor
Unfortunately, this can cause your engine coolant to leak all over your garage floor. If you see coolant spots underneath your automobile toward the front of the engine, this is a sign that the water pump is leaking. You need to replace the pump right away to ensure you always have the right amount of coolant circulating through the engine. Low coolant levels can overheat it.
3. Coolant Circulation That Is Bad
The water pump is called a pump because it circulates the coolant through the engine. A faulty water pump may struggle to circulate the coolant through the engine or it may not be able to circulate the coolant at all. If you suspect that your engine does not have coolant circulating through it, drive straight to our shop so we can test the circulation to see if it is bad.
4. Strange Noises Coming From the Engine
You may also hear strange noises coming from the engine if the water pump is malfunctioning. Water pumps are known to make growling or grinding noises when they are going bad. If you hear squealing sounds coming from the engine, this is a sign that the accessory belt is too loose. A loose belt can affect the water pump’s performance because it powers it.
5. An Engine That Overheats Constantly
Finally, if your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine is overheating constantly, this can be a sign that the water pump has gone bad. Either you have low coolant levels due to a water pump leak or the water pump is no longer able to circulate the coolant through the engine.
Shums Auto Repair in Philadelphia, PA, is here to help, so call us today if you believe your automobile needs a new water pump.