Replacing Your Water Pump: Experts in Louisville will Restore Your BMW’s Performance

Posted on March 17, 2021 by smikyautomowp

An advantage of owning a luxury vehicle such as a BMW is that when you maintain routine maintenance and engine care in order to preserve its reputation, you encounter few serious problems. Even with a high-quality level of care, occasional issues can occur, but when the owner understands the potential causes and warning signs, they can be detected and addressed quickly. One such issue is a failing water pump in your car.

What is a water pump and what does it do?

The water pump is the primary component of your vehicle responsible for maintaining the steady flow of coolant in the engine from the radiator. This pump is operated by the serpentine belt of the engine. Before the cycle repeats itself, its blades cause coolant to flow through the engine and back to the radiator. The engine can maintain a comfortable and steady temperature if the water pump works correctly.

By consistently ensuring that the engine coolant is in good shape and has the correct amount of antifreeze, it is easy to maintain a safe water pump. This prevents the water from freezing over in cold temperatures and helps protect against rust. When taken care of, the water pump will last for a long time in most modern vehicles, but with regular usage, they will begin to deteriorate.

Signs That Your Water Pump is Failing

Ultimately, even a well-maintained water pump can break down, but it can also be affected by external situations, such as broken fan blades or worn water pump bearings. There are a few warning signs that the life of your water pumps is diminishing once you have been lax in your vehicle maintenance. To replace it before additional engine components are affected, it is important to contact a qualified mechanic if you find one or more of the following:

• Coolant Leak: There are many gaskets and seals to hold the coolant contained in your engine, but coolant leaks from the water pump to the ground when they dry out, crack, or split, pooling in the front-center under your vehicle.
• Unusual Sounds: You could hear a high-pitched or thumping sound coming from the front of your motor when the water pump pulley is loose. This needs to be resolved immediately, as once the bearings inside the water pump break, it cannot be repaired.
• Overheated Engine: Coolant does not flow in the engine block with a failed water pump, resulting in overheating that can cause broken cylinder heads, pushed head gaskets, or burnt pistons.
• Water Pump Corrosion: You can find mineral buildup, rust, or pollution on the water pump that hinders cooling, often caused by the incorrect coolant.
• Radiator Steam: Your engine is severely overheated if you see steam coming from the front of your motor as you drive or come to a stop. You need to pull over to a safe area and call for a tow truck right away.

Even without an obvious warning, the water pump may still be impaired, and it’s safe to get your car tested if you suspect anything more significant. Although your car will still be drivable, driving it with a faulty water pipe is never suggested. When ignored, because of overheating, a faulty water pump can destroy your engine and can cause irreparable harm. Repairing or repairing the pump would be less expensive than paying for an engine rebuild.

The Best Garage to Replace Your BMW’s Water Pump

At St. Matthews Import, we have provided quality German auto repairs for decades to the drivers in and around Louisville. Rated Louisville’s #1 German Auto Repair Shop, we believe in quality over quantity when it comes to service for your car. While we also service Asian Import and Domestic cars, SMI Automotive Service specializes in German brands.

All of our services are performed by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics using the latest factory tools and equipment to get the job done right. St. Matthews Import has multiple locations including Louisville, KY and our Hubbards Lane location for automotive service and repair. We ensure that you can drive with confidence that your car is properly taken care of and quality is always guaranteed.