How many years does a water pump last?

Small parts on a car's engine are often easy to overlook, but those components are often some of the most important to keep everything running properly. In the case of keeping your engine cool, the water pump is an effective and integral part of the process. But how long can you expect it to last?

The water pump endures constant use inside an engine and allows the engine to endure the intense heat that internal combustion produces. When your engine is on, the water pump circulates coolant, or antifreeze, in the cylinder head and the engine block to cool the engine down. After the coolant passes through the engine it's sent back into the radiator to be cooled before entering the engine again.

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When it comes to water pump longevity, they actually tend to last a long time. It's recommended that your engine's water pump be replaced when the timing belt is serviced. Water pumps are driven by the timing belt, or an accessory drive belt that spins a pulley outside of the pump which turns the internal impeller. On different makes and models of cars, these belts can last anywhere between 60,000 and 90,000 miles (96,561 to 144,841 kilometers), so you can expect your water pump to last about that long, too. Of course, some water pumps may not last quite that long, but manufacturers make efforts to ensure water pumps last a long time due to negative effects on the engine if they fail.

To avoid running into the problem of a failed water pump, there are a couple warning signs that you can look for. The first is if coolant is leaking around the water pump. Weep holes located on the casing of the water pump will leak coolant when the pump is failing. The second red flag is if the water pump is making more noise than usual. This may be from a defective impeller or an impeller that's no longer properly attached to its drive shaft.

It's unlikely that you'll have to diagnose your car's water pump problems yourself, but just remember it's always a good idea to have your water pump replaced when your vehicle's manufacturer recommends changing the timing belt.

For more information about water pumps and other related topics, follow the links on the next page.

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The expected lifespan of a water pump is 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles, but many can last longer than that. Usually, once your car has reached the coveted 100,000 miles, you can plan on the need for a pump replacement soon. Sometimes, this cooling system part will give you signs that it needs to be replaced. Getz Automotive explains that the following are symptoms of a bad pump.

Coolant Leaks

If you see a pool of engine coolant on your garage floor, it could be that your water pump is leaking. Again, if you have a high-mileage automobile and you’ve never replaced that pump, it is more prone to having problems. The water pump is located in the front of your engine at the center. Coolant puddling underneath this location is a sign of a leak.

Grinding Noise

If you hear a grinding noise coming from this location, it could be that the water pump’s internal mechanisms are going bad. That pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. It uses the accessory belt to power it and has an internal system to help it. As the parts inside the pump wear down, they will begin to grind or growl when they are in motion.

Overheating Engine

A definite sign that your water pump is bad is an overheating engine. Obviously, if the water pump isn’t functioning at all, your engine isn’t getting any coolant. It will take a very short time for the engine to get too hot if it is coolant-starved. It’s important to quit driving your automobile if it is overheating. Continuing to drive it, even with the heater going full blast, can damage the engine.

Poor Circulation

If your engine is running hotter than normal but not overheating, it’s possible that the water pump is not circulating the coolant as forcefully as it normally does. Think of the water pump as your engine’s heart. It pumps the coolant through the engine like your heart pumps blood through your body. Poor circulation can cause the engine to run too warm or to overheat.

Pump Corrosion

Finally, if you take a look at your water pump and it has gel all around it, it is corroding and what you see is a slow leak of engine coolant. This is definitely a sign that your pump needs to be replaced. It is slowly leaking coolant out of it.

Look no further than Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina, NC, for all of your automotive service needs including the water pump.