Cars are such a big convenience. They are also complex machines that need a keen eye when you need to detect a problem in good time, enabling you to fix it before it becomes catastrophic. Take the car's water pump for instance. In most vehicles, the water pumps or coolant pumps sit close to the timing chain and the engine, and these pumps have cooling functions. The pump circulates the coolant to maintain an optimal working temperature for the engine. If this does not happen, the engine will overheat and wreck the piston rings and other components. The following information will help you know when you have a failing water pump so that you can fix it as soon as possible.
Loose and Noisy Pulley
Your car's water pump has a pulley that rotates as the pump circulates the coolant to the other components. When the water pump malfunctions, it strains the pulley and makes its bearings start to overwork or become loose. When this happens, you will hear a high-pitched noise coming from the pulley holding the timing chain or timing belt. The belt will also be loose as the pulley's bearings wear out. If you notice a high-pitched sound coming from the timing chain area, then you check the coolant pump. Your best bet would be to replace it with a new one.
The Coolant Is Leaking
Your water pump comes with a set of numerous seals and gaskets. The purpose is to keep the coolant confined in the pump with no leaks. The whole set ensures that your engine receives a sufficient and consistent flow of coolant to regulate the heat generated as the vehicle runs. Unfortunately, the seals and gaskets wear with time because of the soaring heat. They let the coolant seep through to the motor and the ground. Look out for a reddish fluid on the pump's motor located at the centre front.
Excess Heat from the Engine
When the water pump fails, it cannot cool your engine efficiently. The engine overheats and releases this heat by distributing it to its internal components. It is only a matter of time before you have a cracked cylinder head or burnt pistons. Usually, a temperature gauge that runs hot regularly is a sign that your cooling system is malfunctioning. You will also notice smoke or steam coming from your radiator as you drive. When you see this, stop immediately and get in touch with a mechanic for further diagnosis.
If your vehicle is acting off, contact a professional who provides car repairs to see what the problem is.
Share15 June 2020
I rely a lot of my car as I am a paraplegic. I can only drive a car that has specially modified with wheel controls, so it's very important that I get my car serviced by a company that knows what it is doing. I also need my car to be serviced quickly as I am very limited in how much I can get around without it. This blog has some tips on how to find a car servicing company that will suit you if driving a disability-modified car. I hope it will be useful to other people with disabilities who rely on their cars as much as me.
