WATER PUMP SERVICE

Protect Your Engine: Expert Water Pump Care and Service

If your vehicle overheats, it can leave you stranded on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under your hood. Your water pump helps prevent this scenario by circulating coolant throughout your engine to control its temperature. 


’s team of highly-trained experts will help you keep your water pump working efficiently and your engine cool throughout the life of your vehicle. 

Water pump service offered at Baldwin's Tire and Alignment in Gap, PA

What Does a Water Pump Do?

Your vehicle’s engine runs on combustion, which creates a tremendous amount of heat. The water pump circulates coolant from your radiator through the engine and back to the radiator. As it circulates through the engine, the coolant absorbs heat to prevent it from getting too hot.


Some of the main functions of the water pump include: 

  • Circulating the coolant to control engine temperature
  • Dissipating the heat generated by combustion
  • Lubricating engine shaft and bearings 
  • Driving the timing belt to synchronize the engine valves and pistons


Types of Water Pumps

While all pumps have similar functions, they don’t all work the same way. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, you may have one of the following types of water pumps:

  •  Gear-driven pump:  This pump uses gears to move coolant through the system. The gears mesh together and push fluid through as they rotate.
  • Centrifugal water pumps:  This is the most common type of engine cooling impeller pump. It’s an impeller-based pump that expells coolant outward through the coolant system with centrifugal force. 
  • Vane water pump:  Using a rotor, vanes slide in and out of slots to move fluid in this pump. As the rotor turns, the vanes create chambers that draw in and push out the coolant. 
  • Turbine water pump: In this type of pump, fluid enters the center of the turbine and is pushed outward by the spinning motion of the turbine blades. Though they use a similar design, they’re more efficient than centrifugal pumps and are used in high-performance vehicles. 


No matter what type of water pump your vehicle uses for engine temperature regulation, our certified technicians can service and repair it for you.


Causes of Water Pump Failure

Water pumps can last a long time, but they can also degrade over time for various reasons. Some factors that may cause you to need a water pump replacement include: 

  • Pump quality:  Some pumps are made with higher-quality materials and will last longer than their cheaply-made counterparts.
  • Driving conditions:  If you regularly drive in extremely hot or cold temperatures, your water pump may not last as long as it would otherwise. Other driving conditions that can shorten your water pump’s lifespan include frequent stop-and-go traffic and driving on rough terrain. 
  • Poor maintenance:  Failing to perform regular maintenance on cooling system components — such as replacing the coolant on a regular basis and making sure it's free of contaminants that cause clogging and corrosion — can prematurely wear out your water pump and interfere with coolant flow. 
  • Engine overheating:  If your engine overheats due to factors unrelated to your water pump, such as a failed thermostat, it can cause the bearings in the water pump to wear out. This can cause the entire pump to fail.


Water Pump Maintenance and Service

To extend the life of your water pump and maintain your vehicle’s cooling efficiency, you should have Baldwin's Tire and Alignment perform regular inspections and service, including: 

  • Regular coolant replacement, per manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Periodic coolant system flushes
  • Inspections for coolant system leaks
  • Drive belt inspections, if appropriate
  • Checks of coolant fluid levels
  • Inspection and replacement of hoses and clamps as needed 
  • Replacement of drive belts as necessary


Trust Baldwin's Tire and Alignment for All of Your Automotive Maintenance Needs

At Baldwin's Tire and Alignment, we believe in providing top-notch automotive repair service at affordable prices. We’re a proud member of the Gap, PA community and have served the people here since 2023. 


Visit us at 6105 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gap, PA 17527 or call us at (717) 442-4680 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you and helping you keep your vehicle in excellent condition.