(SPONSORED CONTENT)

The water pump have is often referred to as the heart of a vehicle’s cooling system.

Although its sole function – pumping coolant from the radiator through the engine – seems simple, it’s a crucial process to keep engines running at optimal temperatures. Unfortunately, some drivers can overlook this – along with proper care for the part.

On average, water pumps should be expected to last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but when you consider that those same miles rack up on the timing belt too (along with millions of actual rotations of the belt while it keeps the engine in sync), two key components are undergoing a correlated service life.

Fortunately, both parts are typically readily available, and while each part can be replaced individually, it makes sense to talk to vehicle owners about installing them together. Here’s why.

Minimize the Risk of Future Engine Problems

A malfunctioning or failed water pump cannot properly keep an engine cool. This means that in time, heat – one of the biggest threats to an engine – will increase to dangerous levels and can lead to catastrophic problems for many internal engine parts.

At the same time, a cracked or broken timing belt can strain under rotation and risk the engine pistons and valves getting out of sync. Depending on the vehicle and engine, the timing belt drives the water pump, too. If the belt fails, the pump might not be far behind. Because the timing belt has a similar service life expectancy compared to most water pumps, it’s wise to replace them at the same time. This will help to minimize the chance for serious engine problems in the future.

Save Time and Money

If a customer only replaces one of these two parts, they will eventually be back to replace the other. This can double their parts and labor costs in addition to having to make an extra trip to the shop.

It’s a good idea for customers to replace both the water pump and the timing belt simultaneously so that both parts are brand new and will wear at the same time.

Bottom line: vehicle owners can of course replace the water pump separately from the timing belt. It’s not a requirement to do both. But if the vehicle is torn down enough to replace one or the other, it’s best to just replace both and save time, money and prevent additional damage in the process.

Carter Engineered Quality® water pumps are designed to meet or exceed all OE specifications and are engineered for correct operation in any vehicle. Each Carter® water pump is 100% factory-tested with an application-specific design, and purpose-built to meet the rapidly changing demands of today’s high-temperature engines.

Since 1909, Carter® has been an industry leader and premier manufacturer of fuel pumps, water pumps, assemblies and accessories, with warranties available for additional peace of mind. See the full line of products at carterengineered.com.