How long does a water pump belt last?
There are many components that make up a car's cooling system. Most people don't realize how much heat their engine produces. Having car cooling system components operating at their peak is…
There are many components that make up a car's cooling system. Most people don't realize how much heat their engine produces. The only way to prevent the engine from overheating is to keep the car's cooling system components running at their peak. The water pump in a car helps pump water and coolant through the engine to lower its internal temperature. The water pump belt helps keep the water pump pulley engaged. Without a properly functioning water pump belt, the vehicle's cooling system will not be able to function properly.
Like any other belt in a car, the water pump belt wears out over time and needs to be replaced. Typical belt life is between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. There are many components such as oil leaks or incorrect temperatures that will cause the belt to wear faster than normal. The best way to identify belt problems is to inspect it for damage from time to time. If you start noticing that there are cracks in the grooves of even abrasions on the back of the belt, then you will need to take the time to have it inspected by a professional.
A broken belt while the engine is running can cause overheating. If the water pump belt is a serpentine, then it will work with other vital parts of your engine as well. This means that when the belt breaks, the whole machine stalls.
Below are some of the things you may notice when it's time to replace your water pump belt:
- Cracks and signs of wear on the belt
- Insufficient belt tension
- The belt periodically slips off the pulley.
If any of the above symptoms are present on your vehicle, have a certified mechanic replace the faulty water pump belt to eliminate any further complications.
