Cooling
What is a Water Pump?
Circulates coolant around the engine.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
A belt- or chain-driven pump (sometimes electric) bolted to the engine that keeps coolant flowing through the cooling system whenever the engine is running.
A simple analogy
"It is the cooling system's heart — when it stops beating, the engine quickly gets a fever."
How it works
As the engine spins, it drives the pump's impeller, which pushes coolant out of the engine and through the radiator in a continuous loop.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Coolant leak from the front of the engine
- ⚠Whining or grinding noise
- ⚠Engine overheating
- ⚠Steam from under the bonnet
Rough UK cost
£250–£800
Parts: £40–£200
Labour: £200–£600 (often combined with timing belt)
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. If your car is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.