Like every machinery, even cars tend to heat up. To avoid overheating, it is important to regularly maintain the cooling system of the vehicle. The main core of the cooling system is the car water pump. Many also refer to the water pump as the coolant pump.
Before we get into the technicalities of the cooling system of a car, let us have a detailed look at what a Car Water Pump is!
What is a Car Water Pump?
A water pump is a vital component in any automobile as it ensures the engine never gets overheated by letting the coolant flow through the engine block. In short, a car coolant system ensures the optimum operating temperature of engine, hoses and radiator.
How is Coolant Supplied to the Engine Block?
The cooling system of the car is driven by an auxiliary belt attached to the crankshaft pulley. The impeller blades together with the centrifugal force move the cooled water into the water jacket around the engine’s cylinder.
The cooled water once flowed through the water jackets around the engine then flowed through the hoses to the radiator. By this time, the coolant is not cold anymore; the temperature of the water has increased due to heat transfer from the engine to the water.
Now, the radiator fins allow the air from the atmosphere to cool the water again; the water flows back to the start of the coolant cycle and starts the process.
Common Problems in Car Water Pumps
Car issues are inevitable, but with proper care and maintenance, you can surely avoid frequent problems. Always take immediate notice of the following common issues that might occur in your car coolant system:
- If you hear a grinding noise from the water pump in the car, it might be due to worn out bearings. Consult a mechanic to know whether you need new bearings only or you would need to replace car water pump entirely. A loose bearing can also cause belts to lose their grip and fall off.
- Leakage of water from the coolant pump is also a common problem that occurs in cars. This is an indication that either the shaft seal or the gasket between the car engine and pump has failed to keep the coolant inside the engine. Over time gaskets or seals tend to dry out, crack or sometimes break causing leakage of coolant towards the front of your car. If the gasket is at fault, you would just need to replace the gasket with another one. However, if there is a problem with the shaft seal, then the entire coolant system needs replacement. Be aware of ways to detect car cooling system leak to resolve the issue in time.
- Cars having water pumps with plastic impellers can break sometimes leading to vibrations causing the pump to fail. Thus, you would have to replace the entire coolant system in your car if this occurs.
- During cold temperatures the water in the cooling system can freeze causing the wearing of pump’s parts. To avoid this from happening you can maintain a healthy water pump by always ensuring there is an adequate amount of antifreeze in the coolant system.
- If there is corrosion in your water pump, rust or mineral build-up, then the reason behind this is the use of wrong coolant. Ask your mechanic for the right type of coolant for your car.
- A high pitched or light thumping noise indicated loose water pump pulley. It is caused by snapping of belts due to dryness causing the pulley to become loose and in turn the bearings of the water pump wear out.
- You might have seen fumes coming out as soon as you open the bonnet of your car. The fumes indicate the overheating of the engine. Consult a mechanic right away to avoid further damage. Get your technician to check the coolant system immediately as it is not working correctly.
Types of Coolants for Cars
Each car is manufactured differently, hence each requires a different type of coolant to control the optimal temperature for the normal functioning of the vehicle. Generally, there are three types. These car coolants differ in colours as well:
1. Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
IAT coolant is usually of green colour and is used in older cars, which had the cooling system made out of brass, cast iron and rubber parts. This type of coolant needs to be changed every two years or after 24,000 miles.
2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
OAT coolant comes in orange, yellow, red or purple colours. It is used commonly in vehicles manufactured by General Motors. OAT needs to be changed after five years or after 50,000 miles.
3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
HOAT coolant as the name suggests provides the benefits of both OAT and IAT coolants. HOAT coolant usually comes in yellow and orange colour. HOAT requires change after 50,000 miles or after five years unless otherwise specified. Some car manufacturers specify change after 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Cooling Systems
Hybrid and electric cars have a separate cooling system for the battery pack. For such vehicles, you can only use coolants specified by the automakers. Give your car’s owner manual a good read to know what specific requirements the coolant has to meet mentioned by the auto manufacturer.
How to Know Which Coolant is Right for Your Car?
You cannot decide which coolant to put in your car’s water pump on your own. Ask your car’s dealership to let you know the coolant for the specific make and model of car you’re driving to guarantee the safety of your engine.
Things to Remember when buying Car Coolants
- Never identify the coolant type with its colour. Both OAT and HOAT come in orange and yellow colours, hence you can misidentify the right coolant for your car.
- Two different cars from the same manufacturer can each have a different type of coolant.
- When buying a used car, make sure you perform a cooling system flush first before filling the cooling system with the coolant to factory-recommended one. This is important as you never know the previous owner might have used another coolant at some point in the life of the vehicle.
Cost of car water pumps in Dubai
Depending on your car model and type, and the fact whether you are buying a used or new water pump, a car water pump can range anywhere between AED 150 to AED 800 in Dubai.
Keeping your car hydrated is just as important as hydrating your body. Routine maintenance of your car can ensure you never face any problem with the cooling system of your car. You can look for a reliable auto garage to book a service for your car coolant system. Used cars for sale in Dubai are also available on dubizzle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car parts and repair.
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