Water Pump

The Cooling Command: Understanding Vehicle Water Pumps

Vehicle water pumps are a necessary part of the overall cooling system. Because engines run so hot, engine overheating can become a serious problem for any vehicle. Vehicle cooling helps with engine temperature regulation. Without the water pump, engine heat would rise beyond the manufacturer’s safety standards, potentially causing it to seize up and break down altogether. 

Kettering-Oakwood Automotive is committed to not letting that happen. Our expert team of technicians keeps the water pump in working order throughout your vehicle’s life cycle.

The Purpose of the Water Pump

Heat is one of the engine’s greatest enemies. The operation of automotive components causes work and heat to build up over time. The automotive cooling system works to manage overheating, but a bad water pump can cause engine cooling efficiency to regress. Worse, the water pump can degrade from simple use if it’s not properly maintained. Kettering-Oakwood Automotive’s vehicle inspections always include checking the water pump.

The basic functionality of the water pump involves: 

• Circulating coolant throughout the engine, radiator, and other components to avoid engine overheating
• Dispersing heat buildup in the engine so that all components remain inside their optimal operating ranges
• Dispersing cooling lubricant to the engine shaft and bearings 
• Preventing wasteful coolant leaks by sealing coolant where it’s needed most. 
• Synchronizing the engine valves and pistons

Water pumps are crucial for peak engine performance. No matter what kind of water pump your vehicle uses, a gear-driven pump, an impeller-based pump, or another type, seeking regular service and automotive maintenance is necessary. The team of seasoned mechanics at Kettering-Oakwood Automotive will give you just that. 

Different Varieties of Water Pumps

Although they serve similar functions, different vehicles have different types of water pumps. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are more suitable for various vehicle types than others. Let’s go over the most common ones: 

Centrifugal Water Pumps

These are one of the most common types of water pumps, found in vehicles across the world. Centrifugal water pumps are impeller-based pumps, using centrifugal force to keep coolant flowing throughout the engine system. It’s a powerful cooling system.

Gear Water Pumps

Gear-driven water pumps use gears as a cooling circulation method. Larger and heavier vehicles tend to favor this kind of water pump. 

Impeller Water Pumps

Impeller-based pumps circulate coolant around the engine. Often used in smaller vehicles, impeller water pumps are easier to fit in tighter engine systems than centrifugal water pumps. 

Vane Water Pumps

A vane water pump, as the name implies, uses vanes to keep coolant moving throughout the engine block. Vehicles that have higher than normal coolant requirements typically rely on vane water pumps to keep them on the move. 

Turbine Water Pumps

These involve installing a turbine wheel inside the engine to move coolant through the engine housing. That’s a similar mechanism to centrifugal water pumps, but they use a novel impeller design and tend to be installed only in high-performance vehicles.

What Can Cause Water Pumps To Fail? 

Although they’re known for their reliability and durability, water pumps are far from indestructible. Frequent use, and even the way you drive, can cause them to degrade over time — not necessarily in perceptible ways either. A shoddy water pump can continue working for a while, subtly decreasing engine performance and cooling efficiency and causing damage to various cooling system components. That’s another reason why inspection by Kettering-Oakwood Automotive’s team is so important. 

Some of the most common causes of water pump failure include: 

• Normal wear and tear. The effects will build over time, starting with a hotter engine and often ending in a complete meltdown. 
• Irregular maintenance schedules. The vehicle as a whole needs regular maintenance to keep contaminants, corrosion, and other issues from plaguing the engine. Just like other vehicle components, cooling systems can be impacted by maintenance neglect. 
•  Clogging and corrosion. Debris inevitably enters the engine during operation and can cause damage to various systems, including the water pump. At Kettering-Oakwood Automotive, our technicians will look for this during normal inspections. 
• Overheating. The cooling system as a whole may fail to provide adequate heat relief, which can damage the water pump. 

Kettering-Oakwood Automotive Is Here To Provide Stellar Water Pump Maintenance 

As an esteemed provider of automotive repair services in Dayton, OH for many years now, Kettering-Oakwood Automotive stands ready to assist you with water pump replacement or anything your vehicle requires. Our inspections will root out potential issues with your water pump before they turn into something greater. To schedule a service appointment, just call (937) 299-2468 today.