[fusion_imageframe image_id=”26780″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”right” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.waynesautocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/engine-water-pump.jpg[/fusion_imageframe]In Reno’s summer heat your engine’s cooling system is critical, but even in winter, your engine would fry without it. The cooling system in an engine has five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water is literally the heart of the system. Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating through your engine.

The water pump only operates when the engine is running as it is driven by a belt, chain, or gear. It has a limited lifespan and sooner or later will have to be replaced. You can check your owner’s manual to find out how long your water pump should last. Almost all of them fail by 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) but some can fail in as little as 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometers).

Water pumps don’t gradually wear out; they fail. In other words, they’re either working or they’re not. A failed water pump has to be replaced.

Water pumps failure occurs in two ways: they can spring a leak or their bearings fail. Leaks usually develop at the gasket where the pump attaches to the engine but can come from a cracked pump.

If you hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the water pump, the bearings have failed and it is time for a new one. Should you see coolant leaking in the area near the pump, it needs to be replaced. Also, coolant on the driveway could indicate water pump failure. Many water pumps aren’t visible because they’re under a plastic cover, so you may have to take your vehicle to Wayne’s Automotive Center to know if the water pump has failed. If your water pump is run by the timing belt, then it should be replaced when you replace the belt. Most timing belts need to be replaced at around 60,000 to 90,000 miles (100,000 to 150,000 kilometers). About 90% of the labor for replacing a timing belt is the same for replacing a water pump. It’s cost-effective to take care of them both at the same time. Also, if your water pump develops a leak (if it’s powered by the timing belt), you have to replace the timing belt as well since contamination by coolant fluid damages the belt. It just makes sense for Reno residents to replace both of these parts whenever either one needs it.

Replacing a water pump at Wayne’s Automotive Center is a vehicle care issue that almost all of us Reno and Sparks residents face eventually. They don’t last forever. On the other hand, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle through preventive maintenance. Just as exercise and diet keep our heart healthy, regular check-ups and fluid changes will keep our vehicles healthy. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Waynes Automotive Center service advisor.