One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the water pump. It circulates coolant to keep your engine at a safe, regulated temperature. If you notice any unusual noises coming from either the radiator or the engine, it’s best to bring your car in for an inspection as soon as possible. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to major problems like overheating and even complete failure. Read on to learn more about what you should watch out for when inspecting this part of your vehicle!
How to tell if your water pump is bad
This time, we want to share some signs that your car’s water pump might be failing. If you notice any of the following warning signs in your vehicle, it may be time for a new water pump:
- Engine temperature gauge is constantly high and stays at one level
- Your car overheats when you drive on the highway or uphill
- You hear a knocking sound coming from under the hood when you start up your engine; this could also come from your radiator fan belt not running smoothly (a sign that there is power steering fluid seeping out)
- The noise gets louder as pressure builds up because of an air bubble in the system.
The temperature gauge rises past normal levels- You smell burning rubber
- A loud knocking noise comes from under the hood
- Fluid leaking from the bottom of the engine compartment
- The engine overheating or not turning on at all
- If there are frequent fluid leaks under your hood, check for a leaky air conditioner condenser/radiator cap.
- An antifreeze odor comes into your vehicle with every start-up.
The signs of a bad water pump
The warning signs of a water pump failure are not always easy to spot. The most common sign that your car’s water pump has failed is when it overheats. In some cars, this means that your coolant level is low or empty, but others may have no indicators at all.
The average person knows more about the water pump in their car than they realize. They know it is important to keep an eye on the coolant level but are unaware of all the signs of a potential problem. People who drive often should be keenly aware of these telltale signs so they can take action before it’s too late.
