When Should I Replace My Water Pump?

If you are lucky, you might never have to replace your water pump the entire time you own your car. That being said, you do not want to forget about it because if there is a problem with your water pump and you fail to realize it, it could result in your engine overheating. Wrench is here to make sure that you avoid the worst case scenario and understand how to take care of your vehicle’s water pump.

Facts and figures: a working water pump only needs to be replaced after 60,000-100,000 miles, so if you have your car for less than 10 years, you may never have to worry about it. That being said, if you purchase your car used, it is a good idea to find out if the water pump has been replaced. Getting this service done is just one thing you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle.

How to save money: in many cars, the water pump is tucked away out of sight, which makes it hard to get to. Just because it is out of sight does not mean that it should be out of mind; this part is crucial to keeping your engine from overheating. Replacing the water pump can be a very labor-intensive task because it is hard to reach and therefore can cost you a lot of money. The water pump itself is not very expensive (usually less than $50), but this service could become pricey due to the labor costs associated with the replacement. Therefore, Wrench suggests getting the water pump replaced at the same time you get your timing belt replaced because this is also a part that requires removing a lot of other parts in the process.

Look for signs: there are a few signs that you can look for that can indicate a faulty water pump.

1. A coolant leak near the timing belt. This can be detected by physically seeing a leak under your car. If the water pump gasket is blown, the coolant can drip out onto the ground.
2. Overheating. When the pump is not working or is completely broken, the coolant will not circulate which can cause your engine to overheat. In this case, the needle on the temperature gauge will rise, and the temperature light may come on.
3. Listen to your car. If your car is making an unusual noise, it is usually trying to tell you something. There might be a buzzing sound if the belt that connects the water pump to the crankshaft comes loose. If you are unsure why your car is making a weird noise, it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a Wrench mobile mechanic.

At Wrench, we have your best interests in mind. We want to help you avoid unnecessary costs or time that could be spent more wisely. It is important to know when and how to maintain your vehicle to keep it running for as long as possible. Scheduling regular check ups with a mobile mechanic and knowing how to recognize the warning signs are the best things you can do for your vehicle.