HOW LONG DO WATER PUMPS LAST

Pumps are tough. Typically, most original equipment pumps last 60,000 miles or more. However, you need to keep an eye on things that can damage pump efficiency. Most often, the causes of premature pump failure are coolant contamination and cooling system corrosion. You can prevent both by routinely checking the chemical balance of the coolant. With the engine off and cool, remove the radiator cap and dip a chemical test strip in the coolant. The strip will change color, which you can then compare to colors on a reference chart. If the coolant has lost it effectiveness, replace it at once. Flushing the cooling system on a regular schedule will help reduce coolant contamination failures.

A defective automatic belt tensioner can reduce pump life. The defective tensioner begins to oscillate excessively which sends impulses to the pump shaft. These vibrations can cause rapid bearing wear and premature failure. Replacing the automatic tensioner when you replace the pump is good preventive maintenance.

Do Not Use Coolant Additives

Use a premium-grade coolant. It contains everything your engine needs. Adding an additional lubricant does not improve pump performance. It does just the opposite. The ethylene glycol in a premium coolant is all the lubrication the water pump requires. So if the test strip or refractometer shows the coolant chemistry is out of balance, simply drain the old coolant and replace it with new coolant.

How Often Should Coolant Be Changed?

It depends. Traditional coolant lasts roughly 35,000 miles. Some new cars come equipped with long-life or organic coolant that lasts up to 150,000 miles. Do not mix the two. A long-life coolant becomes debased when mixed with a traditional coolant. Instead of the expected 150,000 miles of service, you get only what the traditional coolant provides, about 35,000 miles. Adding traditional coolant to long-life coolant may void the vehicle manufacturers warranty. The best guide to helping to insure long life for the water pump and the internal parts of the coolant system is to follow the recommendations in your vehicle operating manual for severe use.