Service, Repairs & MOT

Water pump repair in Canterbury

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for a water pump repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book a water pump repair

The water pump helps circulate coolant through your engine, preventing overheating. If your water pump is leaking, making noise, or has failed, a water pump repair can help.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just water pump repairs that we do in Canterbury

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Westwood Mot, Tyre & Service Centre Ltd

5.0/5

We are one of Thanet's newest vehicle service centres, aiming to provide a main dealer service at local garage prices. Our staff have many years experience at main dealer level, giving you the assurance and confidence that your vehicle is in very safe hands. Westwood Service Centre has been set up by former employees of Palm Bay Garage and is now headed up and owned by David Locke who has over 25 years of award winning experience within the Aftersales environment for customer delivery and satisfaction. David aims to follow on from what Palm Bay's many loyal customers had come to expect albeit at a lower price - as not being tied to one manufacturer enables us to be in full control of our costs.
Unit 3-4 Goodwin Park, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, CT94HX

Horizon Motor Group Ltd.

4.4/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover Wingham and surrounding areas and also offer courtesy cars and a free collection and delivery service.
Canterbury, Wingham, CT31NL

Westbere Garage

4.0/5

We are a quality-minded garage based in Canterbury. We are also the largest independent garage in Canterbury. Our customers are proud of the top quality, professional and friendly service that we offer. We pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. This is why we are continually investing in a new technology training and equipment that enable us to deliver excellent service to our customers. Be rest assured, your car will be looked after by our highly qualified technicians. We offer the same quality level servicing that you would experience at the main dealer. But we offer you the personal touch, we are a family run business and pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. By using Westbere Garage you will be treated as an individual, and you can rest assured with our company policy: “Top Quality Service, Nothing Less”
Island Rd, Hersden, Canterbury, CT34JD

A.T. Garage Services Ltd

3.7/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind We cover Dover, Folkestone and surrounding areas At Eurorepar Car Service, we’re all about keeping you and your car moving with confidence. As a trusted network of local garages, we provide high-quality car maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs – all at competitive prices. With our exclusive Brakes for Life program and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, you can drive away knowing you’re covered for the long haul.* Ask your Eurorepar Car Service Centre to fit Eurorepar branded parts to qualify. Claims under the 2-year parts and labour warranty must be made at a Eurorepar Car Service Centre. Discover expert care, unbeatable value, and peace of mind – all under one roof. Ready to experience the Eurorepar difference? Request a quote or give us a call today! *Terms and conditions apply.
Unit 2, Primrose Industrial Estate, Dover, CT17 0UP

Ivydene Ltd, Bosch Car Service

3.4/5

We are a family run business who have grown from strength to strength over the years, and are recognised by Bosch as a centre of excellence. Established in 1981, we have been Bosch agents for over 25 years. Our investment in the latest diagnostics equipment means we that we can offer specialised services for most makes and models of vehicle, including light commercial vehicles. We have some of the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment, ensuring you receive and expert service from our highly skilled technicians. We also are an MOT approved centre.
Unit 99 Ellingham Industrial Estate Way, Ellingham Way, Ashford, TN23 6LZ

Frequently asked questions about a water pump repair

The cost of a car water pump varies due to the cost of the pump itself, and labour involved for installation. We recommend getting a few quotes from different suppliers to better understand the cost you might expect to pay.

If your water pump isn’t working correctly, try not to drive your vehicle until it is fixed. A failing water pump can lead to engine overheating, which can cause severe damage. If you suspect your water pump is failing, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a bad water pump include coolant leaks, an overheating engine, a whining noise from the front of the engine, steam from the radiator, and consistently low coolant levels. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your water pump checked by a professional.

If a car water pump fails, it can lead to your engine overheating. This can cause significant damage to your engine, resulting in costly repairs or even complete engine failure. It’s important to address any issues with your water pump as soon as you’re aware of them to avoid serious damage to your vehicle.

Water pumps typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues early.

The timing belt often needs to be removed to access the water pump, and replacing both at the same time can save on labour costs and prevent future issues. While not strictly necessary, it is a cost-effective way of keeping your car in good condition.

Replacing a water pump can take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. More complex vehicles may take longer.

Replacing a water pump can be challenging, especially for those without mechanical experience. We recommend you employ a professional mechanic to perform the replacement and make sure it’s done correctly and safely.

Whether your water pump is covered under warranty depends on the terms and conditions. It’s best to check with your vehicle's manufacturer or warranty provider for details.

Yes, a bad water pump can affect your car's heating system. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine and heater core. If the pump fails, it can mean that not enough coolant flows through the engine, causing the heating system to function improperly.

It’s important to use the coolant type recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Using the right coolant helps to make sure optimal performance and longevity of the water pump and cooling system. Always check your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended coolant type.

Several factors can cause a water pump to fail. They are mostly caused by poor maintenance or improper use, including:

  • Using incorrect coolant
  • Contaminated coolant with debris
  • Poor-quality water pump materials
  • Improper installation
  • Ignoring regular maintenance and coolant changes

Signs of a failing water pump bearing include:

  • A whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine
  • Visible wear on the water pump pulley
  • Belt tension or looseness