Water pumps are critical components of vehicle engine cooling systems, responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine block, radiator, and heater core. Typically driven by the engine’s belt system or, increasingly, electrically, they utilize an impeller to generate coolant flow. Construction commonly includes a sealed bearing assembly, aluminum housing, and a rotating impeller made of metal or plastic. Modern designs may incorporate thermostat integration or variable speed control for optimized thermal management. Failure results in engine overheating and potential catastrophic damage.