The cooling system in your Saab plays an important role in keeping the engine functional. The water pump is an essential component of the cooling system, and it helps to circulate coolant through the engine to regulate engine temperature. While this water pump has a major function, it is commonly ignored by many car owners.
Water pump problems can easily lead to engine failures if not addressed early. So, we have provided this guide to expose the common causes and warning signs of water pump failure and what to do to help your Saab’s engine.
Common Causes of Water Pump Failure in a Car
There are several reasons why the water pump in a car could fail. Understanding why failures happen can help you prevent a future recurrence:
Age & Wear
One of the major causes of water pump failures in a car is wear and damage caused by aging. The older a vehicle is, the more likely it is to have failing components due to active usage that causes its parts to wear out.
Improper Installation
Another common cause of failure in a car’s water pump system is faulty or improper installation. For a pump to function adequately, it has to be well aligned with other engine components. However, if during the installation process, either during manufacturing or when replacing a faulty pump, there is a misalignment in the placement of the pump, the result could be a failure.
Contaminated Coolant
While the water pump’s function is to transport coolant around the engine, the coolant could also be the cause of its failures. If you use the wrong or contaminated coolant, it could cause corrosion to the water pump system or cause blockages that eventually cause failure.
How to Recognize a Failing Saab Water Pump
The following signs will help to warn you when your car’s water pump system is failing.
Overheating Engine
If your engine is overheating, it is a major sign that there is a problem with the cooling system and it could be a water pump failure. Since the water pump helps to get coolant to hot areas in the engine, when it fails, the temperature cannot be regulated, leading to high engine temperatures.
Coolant Leaks
Another common sign that shows a water pump fault in a car is coolant leaks. The pump is surrounded by seals and gaskets that help to keep the coolant in. However, if these seals or gaskets get damaged, they can no longer prevent coolant from escaping, leading to a coolant leak. Hence, if you notice a pool of fluid under your car and close to the engine’s position, then it is likely that the water pump is damaged, resulting in a coolant leak.
Unusual Engine Sounds
One of the common causes of unusual noises in the engine bay is a faulty water pump. Grinding or whining sounds from this area could be due to physical damage to its parts. As the owner and main driver, you’ll know best if there is an odd or new sound. Trust your instincts if you are suspicious that something is wrong, and bring it to our mechanics for an inspection.
Physical Signs of Damage
If you take maintenance seriously and frequently inspect your car’s parts, you may see visible signs of failure, such as rust or corrosion. If the water pump is commonly exposed to moisture and air, or the frequent passage of coolant through it can cause the water pump body to get corroded over time. This corrosion can then impair the function of the water pump, leading to a failure.
The Best Auto Facility to Handle Saab Water Pump Failures in Virginia
If you notice any of the signs above in your Saab, there is likely an issue with the car’s water pump. The best action to take is to allow our professionals at Auto Scandia to confirm what you already suspect and find an effective way to deal with the issue and protect your car’s engine. If you are in or around Sterling, Reston, Great Falls, Chantilly, Oakton, or Herndon, VA, you do not have to wait till your engine fails before taking action! Book an appointment with us today and let us help you protect your car’s engine.