How to Tell if a Water Pump Is Broken

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Monitor and maintain your engine regularly. Cars require a great deal of maintenance, as every component plays a role in ensuring that your vehicle functions properly. The water pump's job is to support the cooling system. It carries out a circular process, moving coolant from the radiator, throughout the engine and then returning to the pump. However, this comprises only a small part of your engine's cooling system, which also includes the radiator, thermostat and hoses. With this in mind, it is critical that you diagnose a problem with your water pump so that you can confirm or rule out its role in a malfunctioning cooling system.

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Listen to your car. If you hear a screeching sound emanating from your engine, a broken water pump is a possible cause.

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Look under your car. If you notice puddles or drops of coolant on the ground under your car's engine, then the coolant is leaking. This is an indication of a broken water pump. This is actually a safeguard designed into the water pump. Known as a "weep hole," this hole leaks to indicate that some of the pump's seals are broken.

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Monitor your engine's heat. All vehicles have gauges indicating the engine's heat level. If you notice that the thermometer indicates a higher heat level than you normally see, then there is a problem with your cooling system. One potential cause is that the water pump cannot circulate coolant properly.

Inspect your engine on a regular basis, such as during an oil change, to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Unless you are trained in car maintenance, do not attempt to fix the water pump on your own. Have a certified mechanic look at it for you.

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