Water Pump Problems Cause Engine Problems

We are serious here at Total Auto Care. Water pump problems can cause engine problems because the water pump circulates the coolant through the engine. Without proper coolant circulation, your engine will overheat. Your car always needs a functional water pump in the engine. Generally, the water pump loses its ability to function after 10 years of service. Here are signs that your water pump has gone bad.

Rusty Water Pump

The water pump is located next to the radiator in the front of the engine. If you take a look at the pump and see rust on it, you need to replace the water pump because it is leaking slowly. This slow leak does not leave spots on the garage floor. Rather, the coolant gathers around the pump and starts to corrode the metal surface. Consequently, the coolant will eat through the surface if left alone.

Leaking Coolant

Once the coolant has eaten through the metal surface on the water pump, you will see spots on the garage floor. This creates a larger coolant leak that can reduce the level of coolant that is circulating through the engine. Even if you add coolant to the cooling system to restore the normal level, the coolant will continue to leak out of the water pump. This will overheat the engine.

Reduced Circulation

As mentioned above, another thing that will overheat the engine is a reduction in the coolant's circulation. Think about it as you think about your heart and blood. If you have heart problems, your blood circulation will be poor. If you have water pump problems, your coolant circulation will be poor. The only way to resolve the water pump problems is to replace the old pump with a new one.

Growling Noises

In addition to poor circulation, the water pump may start to make growling noises in the engine. This is a sign that the pump is reaching the end of its life and it needs to be replaced. If you hear growling noises in your engine, bring your vehicle straight to our shop so we can confirm that the water pump is making them. If it isn't, we will find the source of the growling sounds.

Overheating Engine

Finally, you don't need us to tell you that all of the above is going to overheat your engine all the time. If the water pump can no longer circulate the coolant or leaks too much coolant out of it, your engine's temperature is going to get too hot.Call Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN, today to schedule a service visit for your automobile for a new water pump.