Southampton Auto Repair

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Water Pump

The cooling system has five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water pump is the heart of the system. Your heart keeps blood pumping through your body, and the water pump keeps coolant pumping through your engine.

Driven by a belt, chain or gear, the water pump operates while the engine is running. With a limited life span, your water pump needs to be changed sooner or later. Your owner's manual will tell you how long your water pump should last. Most water pumps fail by 100,000 miles, or 160,000 kilometers.

Water pumps don't wear out, they fail. They either work or they don't. A failed water pump must be replaced.

Water pumps can have leaks or have their bearings fail. Leaks may come from a cracked pump but can develop where they attach to the engine.

Listen for a low-pitched grinding coming from the water pump. This means it's time for a new one. If you see coolant leaking in that area, it needs to be replaced. Coolant on your driveway could indicate water pump failure. Under plastic covers, many water pumps aren't visible. You may have to take your vehicle to Frank's Servicenter Inc. to know if the water pump has failed.

If your water pump is run by the timing belt, replace it when you replace the belt. Timing belts must be replaced at around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or 100,000 to 145,000 kilometers. Replacing a timing belt is about 90% the same as replacing a water pump. It's cost-effective to take care of them both together.

If your water pump develops a leak (if it's powered by the timing belt), replace the timing belt as well. Contamination by coolant fluid damages the belt. For Southampton residents it makes sense to replace both of these parts together.

Replacing a water pump at Frank's Servicenter Inc. is an issue that all Southampton residents face. However, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle through preventive maintenance. Exactly how exercise and diet keep our heart healthy, regular check-ups and fluid changes keep our vehicles healthy. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Frank's Servicenter Inc. service advisor.