What can cause the water pump to fail?

It’s often not the pump that fails, but the motor. Most automotive water pumps are powered by the engine via a belt. However, some cars — particularly hybrids — use an electric motor to drive the water pump.

If the belt that drives the water pump breaks, the pump will not work. This is usually the accessory drive, which can be seen on the exterior of the engine. It’s called a serpentine chain because it wraps around the pulleys that it drives. The timing belt or chain of the engine may drive the pump in some cases.

The steering wheel may become difficult to turn if the pump is powered by a serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is also used to drive the alternator, which recharges the battery, and in some cases the power steering pump.

Check to see if your serpentine belt is in place if you notice the battery light. The battery light can also be illuminated if the alternator is bad. However, this will not cause any immediate problems. Overheating could.

If the serpentine drive belt breaks, it can cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. Many newer cars are equipped with electric power steering. In this case, the warning “hard steering” will not appear. The next indicator you will see is the temperature light.

The engine will stop immediately if the timing belt or the chain that drives the water pump breaks.

The pump can malfunction, regardless of whether it is powered by a motor or a belt (which can fail too). The problem may start with a coolant leaking or a screeching sound. Both of these symptoms should prompt you to take your car to the mechanic for an inspection. The engine may overheat if the pump is bad.

More from Cars.com:

• Why is my car leaking coolant?
• How often should I change engine coolant?
• Common radiator and cooling-system problems
• What is a Radiator
• More Service News

When should the water pump be replaced?

Water pumps can wear out components like seals and bearings. They also have a fan-like impeller, which can malfunction. However, they are not replaced as part of routine maintenance, since they often last for at least 100,000 miles. You can help extend the pump’s life by replacing the coolant at manufacturer-recommended intervals as the coolant contains additives that help lubricate the pump and prevent corrosion, and those additives “wear out” over time.

If the water pumps is driven by an internal timing chain or belt, it’s recommended that you replace it when you change the belt. It will wear out eventually. The mechanic has to remove the pump, which adds to the cost.