The engines Water Pump 

 The water pump is a simple centrifugal pump driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The pump circulates anti freeze or water  when the engine is running with the objective of keeping the engine cool by way of  the fluid leaving the pump that then flows through the engine block and cylinder head, then into the radiator and finally back to the pump completing a cycle.The water is cooled while moving through the radiator.

However, it not a good idea to drive a car or run the engine with a bad water pump as it will lead to overheating which will eventually result in complete and total damage to your car engine.

A failing water pump in a car, won’t stop the car but, if you do not act fast by replacing it, it can cause the engine system to fail drastically.

Here are some of the common symptoms of a failing water pump:

• Coolant leak at the front-center of your car. ...
• Water pump pulley is loose and making whining sounds. ...
• Engine is overheating. ...
• Steam coming from your radiator.

Mechanics will often replace water pumps before they fail.Many workshops will recommend replacing the water pump while simultaneously making other labor-intensive repairs, such as changing the timing belt or during an engine overhaul.

 A water pump should last 60,000 to 90,000 miles,or 100 000km+ about the same amount of time as a timing belt.