The water pump is a component of the engine that pumps water and oil through the machine. The oil is used to lubricate parts of the engine and to cool it down. The water helps to cool the oil and provide lubrication.
The water pump is part of an engine's cooling system. It draws water from the radiator and forces it through a series of tubes, eventually transferring it into a tank on the other side of the car.
When you turn on your vehicle, this tank fills up with cold water and then flows to one or more cylinders in your engine, where it flows through them until they are sufficiently cooled down.
Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump
When your car's water pump fails, you may notice the following:
- Shuddering when you start your vehicle or turn it off.
- Loud noises from under the hood (such as a clunking sound)
- An oily or slippery feeling under your car when you get in or out.
- Your car may suddenly lose power, especially when you stop at a stop sign or red light.
- You may hear a loud rattling noise from under your hood, which is caused by the water pump vibrating against its housing as it constantly pushes out air bubbles that form inside due to overheating.
- The engine may overheat and not turn on or stay on when you turn the key in the ignition.
- The engine may not cool down even after you turn off the car and wait several minutes.
- While driving, the temperature gauge may only move or read as high as usual.
- Low engine coolant temperature (CTS) reading when parked for more than one hour.
Poor fuel economy due to low CTS reading and poor idle speed at high altitudes where engine coolant boils off quicker than at lower altitudes.
- The engine will idle roughly or hesitate when cold after sitting overnight without being driven during this period.*
Contact Us
If you notice these symptoms and they persist for more than 30 minutes, then you should have your car taken in for inspection by an auto repair shop right away.
If you need water pump repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to B&C Auto Center today! We shall be happy to help!