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Bad water pump symptoms

In Cooling System by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Did you see the engine temperature light appear on your car’s dashboard? Have you needed to add coolant multiple times over a couple of weeks?

These problems could mean that something is wrong with the cooling system. 

A vehicle’s cooling system keeps the engine running at a safe operating temperature. It’s made up of several parts: radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump, heater hoses, radiator and heater core.

Overtime, the components can fail, which impacts the system’s ability to do its job – preventing the car from overheating.

In this article, we will focus on the water pump and some indicators that it’s going bad.

What does the water pump do?

Before talking about signs of a bad water pump, we’re going to take a step back and explain the role this part plays.

Once the engine hits a specific temperature, it prompts the thermostat to open.

Coolant is circulated through the cooling system by the water pump. This component sends the fluid into the radiator and then the coolant moves onto the heater core and engine block.

The amount of coolant that flows into the radiator is determined by how open the thermostat is.

What can cause the pump to go bad?

Different issues can cause water pumps to malfunction. 

Bad water pumps may be the result of a worn bearing. If a bearing moves back and forth, it’s not a full seal. The bearing may also ride near the seal. If it’s moving, it will hit the seal, creating a tear.

Coolant leaks are another possibility. They can develop if a gasket or seal fails. On rare occasions, a crack will be found. Some of the European vehicles have a plastic secondary water pump.

If a driver only has water in the cooling system, it could freeze during the wintertime, causing the engine block, water pump and other parts to crack.

A lack of maintenance also impacts the water pump. Coolant that isn’t regularly replaced through a coolant fluid exchange will become acidic and start eating away at items.

Possible signs that you have a bad water pump

Because the water pump can be hidden by other components, you may not be able to just pop the hood and check on its condition.

So, how do you know if you have a bad water pump?

Low coolant on a Mini Cooper.

Low coolant on a Mini Cooper

Generally you find out that it’s leaking. The engine temperature light may turn on, telling you that the engine is overheating or the system is low on coolant. 

You might also see coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle (normally in the center). A squeaking or a chirping noise could be heard, too.

You may not experience any water pump or cooling system problems when using your vehicle. Sometimes, issues might not be discovered until a car is brought in for routine maintenance.

Maybe the technician sees the coolant is low or the PH is incorrect during their courtesy check. Coolant color and residue around pumps, hoses and seals are other items we keep an eye out for.

When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change or another service, see if the shop offers digital inspections. This handy tool gives drivers a detailed update on how their car is doing.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Buying new tires? Keep these factors in mind.

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Buying new tires can be a difficult decision for some drivers. There are so many options available. How do you know which one you should pick?

Hopefully, we can help make the decision-making process a little less overwhelming.

These are some characteristics we suggest you think about and share with an automotive professional:

  • The type of vehicle you have
  • Its purpose
  • Where the car is driven
  • How often you use it
  • Your budget

Tire buying factors

Type of vehicle: Cars come in different shapes, sizes and (of course) weights. The roads are flooded with sedans, SUVs, CUVs, and trucks. Tires come in specific sizes and load ratings. 

Purpose: You also need to think about your own driving behaviors and how you plan to use the vehicle. Are you using it for your commute? Do you want to set it aside for weekend adventures? Or do you just need a way to travel around town?

Kelly Edge Touring A/S Tire.

Kelly Edge Touring A/S Tire

Where the car is driven: This connects with the vehicle’s purpose. Will it mainly be driven on the highway? Is the car driving in mountainous areas or near the coast? Do you come across any dirt or gravel roads? What about the weather – does it snow a lot where you live, or is it normally sunny with occasional rain showers?

How often you use it: The lifespan of tires also varies. So, the number of miles you spend behind the wheel every year also plays a role. The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire can last as long as 85,000 miles. If you’re on the road a lot, it may be worth your while investing in high mileage tires.

Budget: A tire’s price tag can depend on the tire size and tread design. Do you need a tire that does well on gravel and dirt roads? Are you looking for an all season tire or one that’s able to push water away? For a regular car, a tire can cost anywhere from fifty something dollars to a couple or a few hundred dollars.

There are other items that can determine which tire is chosen, including tire speed rating, traction control and the anti-lock braking system (ABS). More information can be found in this article we wrote.

What to avoid when buying new tires

We’ve talked about various items to look into during the tire purchasing process. Are there any characteristics you should steer clear of?

It’s a good idea to avoid knock off brands, especially those that don’t offer a lot of information or a mileage rating. If a tire doesn’t have a mileage rating, it’s for a reason – either the manufacturer doesn’t back the product or it’s a high performance tire.

Apprentice Technician using the tire machine at Steve's Auto Repair.

Apprentice Technician using the tire machine at Steve’s Auto Repair

When buying new tires, drivers shouldn’t choose the cheapest tire available. We also don’t suggest breaking the bank on tires. Instead, pick the best tire that’s within your budget.

Cheap tires may not hold up as well, have the right traction, or come with the sidewall strength that you may need if you drive off the road for a moment.

Don’t be afraid to spend extra money on tires even if it’s for a regular car. It’s worth the investment on tires, because that’s what stops and makes you go. 

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Car maintenance services discussed at Steve’s Auto Repair

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Employees at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire have more knowledge to help address problems drivers may face.

This week, our Service Advisors attended a BG training, where they learned about different car maintenance services.

The topics covered included oil consumption issues and fuel and carbon deposit problems.

BG products were discussed, as well. Some of the items were:

  • Engine Performance Restoration (EPR)
  • BG MOA
  • BG 44K

We talk more about each of them below.

Car maintenance services covered

Engine Performance Restoration (EPR): EPR helps address sludge buildup.

EPR aims to get rid of carbon deposits that have collected on the piston rings and clear out passageways. This allows parts – like turbochargers and valve train actuators – to continue working as they were designed.

BG MOA: BG MOA protects the engine and can improve a car’s fuel economy. The supplement helps oil last longer by preventing it from oxidizing or thickening.

Decreasing sludge buildup is another benefit of using BG MOA.

Bearing grinder used to show effectiveness of BG MOA.This oil additive’s effectiveness was shown using a bearing grinder. The point of the demonstration was for the bearing to lock up. Participants saw the comparison of using no oil, adding oil, and adding oil and BG MOA.

The machine didn’t lock up when the supplement was used.

BG 44K: BG 44K is recommended between fuel induction services. It cleans the fuel system and removes carbon buildup.

Restoring power and fuel efficiency are some perks of using EPR.

Protection plan discussed

Participants also learned about Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations and the Lifetime BG Protection Plan.

Steve's Auto Repair employees participating in BG training.CAFE standards focus on fuel efficiency. Using lighter parts is one solution that has been used.

The protection plan comes into play when certain types of maintenance are completed regularly.

It extends over seven systems. They are brakes, cooling, driveline, engine, fuel, power steering and transmission.

Hearing from the BG experts provided our employees with information they may not have known. The BG training also offered an explanation of different car maintenance services and products that can be used to better serve customers.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Airbox clamp rusts in half on Ford F-150

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Checking a car’s air filter is included in our courtesy inspections.

When one technician went to complete this task on a Ford F-150, he ran into a small hiccup: the airbox clamp had rusted in half.

As the clasp is unbuckled, two halves of the airbox come apart so you can remove the air filter. The clasp is intended to keep the box closed and seal up the filter. 

The engine air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. So, it’s a good idea to keep a good seal between the two.

While undoing the clasp on the pickup truck, we realized there wasn’t enough metal on the bottom to capture it.

For a number of years, these types of clamps were used on certain vehicles – like Ford F-150s, E-150s, E-250s and E-350s. More recently, they have transitioned into a different style.

What can cause airbox clamps to rust

A few factors could result in an airbox clamp rusting. Age is one of them. The Ford F-150 we worked on was more than 15 years old.

Airbox clamp rusted in half.

Airbox clamp rusted in half

It can also be caused by exposure to the elements, like snow and rain. As you’re driving, your tires are kicking up salt, sand and water. Overtime, this may lead to rust, especially if you’re traveling in areas that see a lot of snowfall.

Batteries can cause corrosion, too. Corrosion sometimes builds up on battery terminals due to battery acid that’s released.

In the case of the Ford F-150, the clamp was close to the battery. Battery acid could have leaked down and come in contact with the clasp. 

Maintenance and airbox clamp replacement

Other than replacing the airbox clamp, there isn’t much else you can do if this part has become rusted and won’t remain secure. 

They do sell aftermarket kits. Next time your technician is working on your vehicle, you could ask them to take a look at the airbox.

There are some actions that could be taken to possibly prevent future problems. 

Make sure proper cleaning techniques are followed when the battery is changed. If battery corrosion is present, wash it off with water. This helps neutralize the battery acid and prevents it from impacting other components.

Regularly changing out air filters is also a good item to add to your car maintenance checklist. The lifespan of filters varies among vehicles and driving conditions.

Air filters don’t work as effectively when they become dirty, clogged or damaged. So, it’s important to replace them if your auto repair shop recommends it.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Preventative car maintenance: Why it matters

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Drivers typically visit an auto repair shop if they notice a problem, such as leaks, driveability issues, warning lights, or noises.

They will also see a mechanic when it’s time for routine maintenance.

However, your car needs more than just the occasional oil change or a new battery. It also requires flushes, suspension repair, and the replacing of components that wear out from daily use.

If you choose to take care of one or certain parts of your car, you’re only doing a portion of the work. It’s like updating the antivirus on your computer but not performing the Windows updates.

Preventative car maintenance keeps various systems running smoothly and can help travelers avoid unsightly bills.

Flushing out systems

It’s important for different areas of a vehicle to be cleaned out from time to time, and for fluids to be working at their best.

Through coolant fluid exchanges, we are able to remove sludge, rust and scale that has collected in the cooling system. This mileage-based service also replaces the coolant, which degrades overtime, and keeps the engine from overheating.

Brake fluid test strip.

Brake fluid test strip

Brake fluid flushes take care of your braking system. They get rid of moisture in the braking system and prevent corrosion buildup.

Meanwhile, transmission fluid exchanges keep transmission problems at bay. When performed regularly, transmission fluid flushes can help prevent the transmission from going bad prematurely.

Depending on the car, these flushes are needed every 30,000 miles or so.

Performing suspension work

Suspension repairs are also sometimes overlooked.

Shocks and struts eventually go bad, and when they do it can affect your vehicle’s stability and braking system. The tires may experience uneven wear, as well.

We recommend having your shocks and struts checked when your vehicle reaches 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Normally, they need to be replaced somewhere around 75,000 or 100,000 miles.

Torn control arm bushing on a Toyota Sienna.

Torn control arm bushing on a Toyota Sienna

A lot of people don’t realize that control arm bushings can become worn, too. The control arm bushing is where the lower control arm mounts to the frame of the car or the subframe.

Its lifespan may be impacted by the type of car, how the vehicle is used, and driving conditions. Traveling over potholes, and in colder climates or near the beach can lead to accelerated wear.

Even commuting can put a lot of stress on a vehicle and affect how long a control arm bushing lasts.

Other preventative car maintenance

Some drivers may put off brake repair and tire replacement until absolutely necessary.

However, drivers shouldn’t wait until the chords in their tires are showing or the brakes are so low that they’re unsafe to drive on.

Tire tread measurement on a Subaru Forester.

Low tire tread on a Subaru Forester

To pass the Virginia State Inspection, brake pads and tires must measure at 2/32 of an inch. However, we recommend installing new brakes when they’re around 3/32 or 4/32 of an inch. 

New tires are suggested between 3/32 of an inch and 5/32 of an inch, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

There are many other services we can recommend. These are just a few examples.

Money is tight for a lot of people. We recommend taking care of your vehicle the best that you can – even if it means breaking up maintenance over multiple visits. A little care really does go a long way.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.