regular maintenance checks for your car

Telltale signs of water leaking from under the car and/or the noisy sound of an overtaxed pump coming from under the hood should never be ignored. Not changing a worn out pump could lead to the part totally breaking down. In turn, the car overheats leading to potentially major engine damage. Yet, the huge cost of replacing a water pump leads some to delay repair work. The budget conscious are best served keeping the following tips and insights in mind when a water pump starts to go. 

Change the Pump with the Timing Belt

A water pump is not usually an expensive part. The extensive labor required to remove various engine components in order to reach the water pumps is what drives up the price. (Labor could take several hours) Since the water pump is near the timing belt, have the water pump changed when the owner's manual suggests changing the belt. Do this regardless of whether or not the pump is failing. This way, you do not have to pay for the assembly/disassembling of the engine parts twice.

What happens if you already changed the timing belt and now notice troubles with the water pump? You still have a few cost-effective options.

Add Lubricating Fluid to the Radiator

You are not going to repair the water pump by adding stop leak/water pump lubricants to the radiator, but you could reduce leaking and wear and tear for a few more thousand miles. When the time comes to change the coolants, request water pump lube be added to the mix.

If you already changed the coolant a short while ago, you can still add a bottle of lube on your own. Remove a small amount of the coolant and pour in the lube. Let the engine run on the car for a good 15 minutes so the lube can circulate through the radiator and reach the pump. Driving around with the car further circulates the lubricant. Again, this is a short-term fix but it buys time to save up for the costlier job.

Don't Ask a Mechanic to Perform a House Call

Those who know a skilled mechanic could ask the person to perform the job on a driveway or even on the street at a reduced price. This could end up being a catastrophic mistake.

You do not want your vehicle's engine parts lying outside on the sidewalk for several hours in an uncontrolled environment. Murphy's Law could come into play and an unexpected rainstorm might start falling. What happens if an emergency arises and your friend, the mechanic, has to leave without warning? Are you just going to pick up the part and bring them into your house?

Saving money is a good idea, but be smart about things. Only have this type of extensive job performed at a legitimate auto repair shop (such as Slipstream Autocare).