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.

Porsche

Porsche AG is a German automobile manufacturer, established over 88 years ago in 1931, and is renowned for producing high-performance sports cars, SUVs and saloon cars.

Porsche is owned by Volkswagen AG and carries a total equity of over €10billion (according to 2015 figures).

How popular is Porsche in the United Kingdom?

Who wouldn’t want a Porsche? Porsche has been setting standards in high-performance sports vehicles for as long as they’ve been in the industry.

There are currently around 146k Porsche vehicles on the roads in the UK, showing a steady rise in numbers over the past 10 years.

Luxury, high-end performance sports cars

With a back catalogue of historic models too numerous to mention, the current range provides typical 2-seat mid-engine sports cars in the Porsche 718 and Porsche 911 models, luxury touring in the Panamera 4-seat full-size saloon and a luxurious level of crossover driving in the Cayenne and Macan SUVs.

Sporting a selection of SUV models

Given the popularity of the SUV in modern driving, it was only a matter of time until the high-end marques got involved in revving up the performance and presentation.

For example, the Cayenne Turbo can accelerate from 0–62mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 177mph. The hybrid electric model is equally as impressive with figures of 5.0 seconds and 157mph. That should take care of the school run in record time.

Porsche electric: the plug-in hybrid range

In 2010, the both Porsche SUV models and the Porsche 918 were released as hybrid electric versions. Currently, only the Cayenne is available as an electric hybrid, but Porsche is building towards the release of their E-performance range: with the new Taycan all-electric sports car being developed through the Mission E Cross Turismo concept study.

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.