How does the water pump in the engine work?
In a car, the water pump (coolant pump) is the part that circulates antifreeze/coolant through the engine and radiator so the engine stays at a safe temperature. As the engine runs, the pump’s impeller spins, pushing hot coolant out of the engine to the radiator to be cooled, then back in again. On most cars it’s belt-driven (by the auxiliary/serpentine belt or the timing belt/chain); some modern models use an electric pump. You’ll usually find it at the front of the engine, near the belts. If the pump fails, coolant stops moving and the engine overheats quickly. (Worth noting: this is not the windscreen washer pump.)
How do I know if I need a water pump replacement?
If the water pump fails, coolant stops circulating properly and the engine overheats fast. You’ll usually see the temperature gauge climbing, a red/high-temp warning, roaring cooling fans, and sometimes steam or a sweet coolant smell from under the bonnet. Pumps can fail by leaking (you’ll spot drips or pink/green crust near the pump), by worn bearings (squeal/rumble and wobble), by a damaged impeller (poor flow, heater blows cold at idle). Keep driving and you could risk a blown head gasket, warped cylinder head, or even a seized engine. On engines where the pump is driven by the cambelt, a seized or leaking pump can also snap or contaminate the belt, causing catastrophic internal damage.
So how to check if the water pump has actually failed (safely):
- If a temp warning appears, pull over, switch off and let it cool. Don’t open the cap hot.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and look for fresh drips or dried crust near the pump/housing.
- Note the exact symptoms (when it overheats, any noises, heater behaviour). This helps pinpoint pump vs. thermostat, fan, or radiator.
Should I stop driving if the water pump has failed?
If you see overheating warning, steam, heavy leak, or loud bearing noise, it’s important to stop when safe and arrange recovery. Driving on risks a blown head gasket or engine damage which is far more expensive than fixing the water pump.
Should I replace the timing belt along with the water pump?
If your water pump is driven by the timing belt, it’s good practice to replace it together. They share the same labour (the front of the engine is already apart), so doing both at once could save money, keeps the service intervals aligned, and reduces the risk of a new belt being ruined by an old pump that later leaks or seizes.
You’d still pay for the timing-belt kit parts if you choose to do the belt with the water pump. The win is on labour: most of the work to reach the pump is the same work to reach the belt, so doing them together means you pay that labour once, not twice. For example on a VW Passat, replacing the timing belt could cost around £400 plus £150 for the water pump, however if the water pump was replaced separately or at a different time then this would cost £800 in total!
Can a mobile mechanic perform a water pump replacement?
Yes, many water pumps can be replaced by a mobile mechanic, especially if the pump is easy to reach (aux/serpentine-belt). If the pump sits behind the timing cover or is driven by the timing belt, it can sometimes be a workshop job because it involves locking the engine timing and is best done alongside a full belt kit.
If the vehicle is drivable, ClickMechanic offers free collection and delivery for bringing the vehicle to the garage.
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Frequently asked questions about car water pump replacement & repairs
Read our answers to questions about car water pump replacement costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Water Pump do?
The water pump is situated in the engine bay and pumps the engine coolant around the cooling system, ensuring fresh coolant is circulated through the engine at all times. The water pump is usually driven off the engine's serpentine belt (or drive belt).
What does a water pump replacement involve?
- Mechanic will inspect the water pump and the cooling system.
- Mechanic will subject the cooling system to a pressure test which should reveal any leaks.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the water pump.
- Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
- Mechanic will inspect the system again, test drive the car and check for any leaks.
- Mechanic will make any adjustments if necessary.
Can I replace a water pump myself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a car water pump replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
What are the symptoms of a faulty water pump?
- When there are patches of fluid visible under the car (near the engine).
- When fluid has leaked in the engine bay around the water pump.
- When the car will not start.
- When the engine temperature is higher than normal (engine overheats).
- When the 'Engine Temperature' warning light is on.
How long does it take to replace a water pump?
On average, car water pump replacement times can range from 1 hour to 4 hours with an average of 1.75 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How often should a water pump need replacing?
Should you experience problems with the pump like those listed earlier, then it is advisable to have the water pump inspected and, if necessary, have it replaced. Seeing that the water pump is a component that is especially prone to wear it should always be serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.
Can I drive with a bad water pump?
If you suspect there is any issue with your water pump or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle. Driving with a faulty water pump can lead to the engine overheating and lead further complications on your vehicle and potentially engine damage.
How much does it cost to fix a car's water pump?
If the water pump is broken usually a water pump replacement is required. Cost for a water pump replacement will depend on a number of factors but on average costs £200.
Can a bad water pump pulley rattle?
A water pump pulley can make a noise if it is bad. If you're unsure whether the pulley is making the noise it is advisable to get a mechanic to check. They can advise on next steps.
How long will the water pump last?
A water pump can last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your usage it's best to have it checked periodically and replaced as needed.
Is a faulty water pump an MOT failure?
A faulty water pump in itself should not cause an MOT failure as it is not checked as part of the MOT. However, if the water pump is leaking this could become a reason for an MOT failure.
How much does it cost to replace a water pump?
A water pump replacement generally costs between £115 and £375 with an average price of £200. Ultimately, the cost of replacing the water pump depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your water pump replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a car water pump replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Timing belt kit, Water pump, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Water pump pulley and/or Electric water pump.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £415 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £337 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £351 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £262 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £273 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £318 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £268 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £326 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £476 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £268 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £213 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £359 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a car water pump replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake car water pump work
- AL’S MECHANICS AND SALES LTD T/A Als Mobile Mechanics, Aberdeenshire
- ASD AUTOTECH, Wirral
- Applied Braking Services, Bedford
- Nishan Mobile Mechanic, Reading
- On The Move Garage, High Wycombe
- PT Automotive, Langport