Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and also its largest city. It’s also the 11th largest city in the UK and has an estimated population of 360,000.

A significant tourist destination, Cardiff has over 21million visitors a year and is host to landmarks such as the Principality Stadium, the Welsh National Museum, Cardiff Castle, the National History Museum at St Fagans, City Hall, the Welsh National War Memorial and many more.

Cardiff has a significant nightlife, seeing visitors flock to its many bars, pubs and clubs. Most are situated in the city centre around St Mary Street, Cardiff Bay, The Brewery Quarter and Charles Street.

The most popular cars in Cardiff

The UK’s best selling car, the Ford Fiesta, is estimated to be the most popular car in Cardiff, according to data provided between 2012 to 2018 by ownership and postcode.

Close on its heels—and in order of popularity—are the Mercedes A-Class, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and the Kia Sportage.

Vehicle numbers in Cardiff

There are approximately 180,000 licensed vehicles in the Newham area, with some of the most popular models including the Mini, Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus.

Find a Fixter garage in Cardiff today

There are a total of 26 Fixter garages in the Cardiff area, all ready and waiting to provide you with a fantastic quote for your car service, MOT and a wide range of vehicle repairs.

Fixter garages service the following postcodes and more, in and around the Cardiff area:

• CF1: Splott & Butetown, Cardiff, Wales
• CF10 & CF11: Grangetown & Riverside, Cardiff, Wales
• CF14: Llanishen, Whitchurch & Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales
• CF2: Adamsdown, Cyncoed & Splott, Cardiff, Wales
• CF23: Penylan, Plasnewydd & Trowbridge, Cardiff, Wales
• CF24: Cathays, Cardiff, Wales

What does a water pump do?

Your car’s water pump is responsible for circulating the engine coolant around the cooling system. It is located in the engine bay and is usually powered from the engine drive belt.

How often should a water pump need replacing?

Due to the importance of their operation, water pumps are often replaced before they fail. It is recommended that a water pump be replaced between 60k and 90k miles of operation. It is also advisable that the timing belt, idler pulleys, and tensioner be replaced at the same time.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

An obviously leaking water pump will fail an MOT. A very slight drip or suspected leak may cause an advisory measure, which given the impact a leaking water pump can have on the engine, it should be checked and replaced straight away.

What happens when we replace your water pump?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the water pump and cooling system, including a possible pressure test to detect any leaks.

• Wherever required your water pump will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

• You will also be advised of any other affected parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

• Once the faulty water pump has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct operation and make any adjustments required for trouble-free performance.

What causes a water pump to stop working correctly?

A water pump and its components can wear out over time. This may result in leaking or a reduced pumping capacity. It is imperative that your water pump operates correctly, as failure to pump coolant through your engine can cause engine overheating and irreparable damage to your engine.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning water pump

Fluid underneath the engine

If there are patches or puddles of fluid on the floor beneath your engine, it could be a leaking water pump.

Fluid in the engine bay

If you spot fluid leaking around the water pump in the engine bay, then your water pump may be damaged.

The car won’t start

If your car doesn’t start, it could be due to failed water pump operation.

The engine temperature is high

If the temperature gauge reads higher than normal or your engine is overheating, it could be caused by a malfunctioning water pump.

The engine temperature warning light is illuminated

Any dashboard warning light is an indicator that a sensor has detected an incorrect operation. An engine temperature warning could be related to your water pump.