How long does a water pump last in a car

How long does a water pump last in a car

Automotive

The service life of most original equipment water pumps should be 100,000 miles or longer. Some cheap replacement water pumps, however, may not last 30,000 miles before they start to leak. That’s why you should recommend a top-quality replacement water pump if a customer’s old water pump has called it quits.

How long does a water pump last in a car
The service life of most original equipment water pumps should be 100,000 miles or longer. Some cheap replacement water pumps, however, may not last 30,000 miles before they start to leak. That’s why you should recommend a top-quality replacement water pump if a customer’s old water pump has called it quits. Several factors can shorten the life of any water pump. These include internal corrosion in the cooling system (old neglected coolant that is worn out and should have been changed), as well as cavitation wear (which can be a problem with some water pumps that have plastic impellers). The pump shaft is supported by bearings, and there is usually a ceramic seal around the shaft. Antifreeze contains lubricants for the shaft bearing, as well as corrosion inhibitors to prevent internal rust and corrosion.

But these additives eventually wear out over time. If the coolant is worn out or dirty, it will shorten the life of the water pump’s bearings and seals, as well as other cooling system components. A water pump with bad bearings may make noise and/or wobble as it turns. There should be no play or movement in the pump shaft if the pump pulley is wiggled sideways by hand when the engine is off. Coolant leaking out of the vent hole on the housing means the shaft seal has failed and the pump needs to be replaced. If an engine has been overheating, but the coolant level is full and there are no signs of coolant leaks externally or internally (such as a bad head gasket), the problem may be the water pump impeller.

Steel impellers can rust or even separate from the shaft. Plastic impellers can erode and wear down, reducing the pump’s ability to circulate coolant. Either way, a pump that isn’t pumping very well needs to be replaced. Other items a customer may need when changing a water pump include gaskets, coolant, a thermostat (recommended if the engine has overheated), and a new OHC timing belt or serpentine belt if the engine has a lot of miles on it and the water pump is driven by the timing belt or serpentine belt. All the hoses in the cooling system also should be inspected and replaced if more than 10 years old.

How long does a water pump last in a car

How long does a water pump last in a car

The water pump is one of the vehicle components that may never require replacement if your vehicle is well-taken care of. You can own a car for over 15 years and never have to replace the water pump. That's not to say that it can't develop a problem. That's why the car comes with a scheduled maintenance routine for every car component to ensure that it is always in pristine condition to function at maximum performance.

So, when should you replace the water pump?

At What Interval Should You Replace a Car Water Pump?

As mentioned earlier, a vehicle's water pump is usually built to last, perhaps because it is located deep under the hood. Still, it is prone to wear and tear. Because it is not easily seen doesn't mean it should be out of mind. Typically, the recommended interval for replacing the water pump is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on various factors, such as the car model, road and weather conditions, and driving behavior. Therefore, if you plan to invest in a used car, ensure you verify whether the seller replaced the water pump. Adhering to this maintenance service can significantly prolong your car's lifespan.

Signs and Symptoms that You Need to Replace Your Car's Water Pump

Before your engine overheats or you deal with complicated performance issues, your car will deliver signs that you need to replace the water pump, and knowing them can prove valuable in the long term.

These signs include:

  • Coolant Leaks
  • High-Pitched Noises from Under the Hood
  • Engine Overheating
  • Rust Buildup in The Water Pump
  • Steam Coming from The Radiator

Save Money on Your Next Water Pump Replacement

Replacing the water pump is a labor-intensive undertaking because the pump lies deep under the hood, and repairs might be costly. Since the pump is powered by the timing belt, which is closely located to it, it would be best to have the timing belt also replaced at the same time. That saves you the cash as it alleviates the need to repair the belt separately.

Are you in need of water pump replacement solutions? Bring your automobile to our vehicle maintenance and repair shop today, and we'll provide quality services and affordable prices.

How often should you replace water pump in car?

Typically, the recommended interval for replacing the water pump is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on various factors, such as the car model, road and weather conditions, and driving behavior. Therefore, if you plan to invest in a used car, ensure you verify whether the seller replaced the water pump.

How do you know if car water pump is bad?

6 signs your water pump is failing ​.
Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ... .
Engine Overheating. ... .
High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ... .
Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ... .
Steam comes out from under your hood. ... .
Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump..

How do you know when your water pump needs to be replaced?

Five Signs You Need a New Water Pump.
Leaking Coolant. A coolant leak coming from the front and center is probably coming from the water pump. ... .
Rust and Corrosion. Age doesn't work in the water pump's favor, either, when it comes to rust and corrosion. ... .
Whining Noises. ... .
Overheating Engine. ... .
Radiator Steam..

How long does a leaking water pump last?

The average lifespan of a water pump is similar to the lifespan of a timing belt. They usually last 60,000 to 90,000 miles with the proper care. However, some cheaper water pumps may begin leaking at as low as 30,000 miles.