Vehicle manufacturer’s quest for ever reduced emissions means that effective thermal management is absolutely vital. To this end, Dayco has worked in partnership with manufacturers in the development of innovative solutions and new concepts to ensure that engines reach their operating temperatures as quickly as possible and that this optimum is maintained.

Electric water pumps that can be activated instantaneously, alongside imaginative design solutions for mechanical pumps, such as those with vane shields or Dayco’s friction wheel, which can provide an instant response to coolant temperature changes, therefore play an important part.

Over the last few years, manufacturers have also moved to integrate the water pump into the primary drive (timing) system, rather than it being driven by the auxiliary belt.

This has a direct effect on the aftermarket because, in contrast to the auxiliary belt, which rarely has a scheduled replacement interval, the timing belt does and this means that technicians come into contact with the water pump more frequently than previously and it is therefore far easier for them to assess its condition. As a consequence, more are found to be either in need of replacement, or are being changed as a ‘best practice’ precaution, so sales are on the rise.

Dayco have responded to this development by adding a water pump to their timing belt kits to provide workshops with a complete aftermarket replacement solution.

Designated by the KTBWP classification, each of Dayco’s 300 plus water pump kits includes the replacement pump alongside the belt, tensioner and idler combination, with 75 of these references containing the patented Dayco High Tenacity (HT) or ‘white’ belt. These sit alongside its comprehensive thermostat range, which together provide independents with a complete, original equipment (OE) quality, thermal management solution.

Dayco National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan comments, “Sometimes, for the best of intentions, workshops will try to save their customers money and replace only the belt and its ancillary components. This policy runs the risk of their customers having to face a much larger bill to virtually replicate the job, if the water pump goes on to fail.” He adds, “As a timing belt replacement is a relatively expensive, although extremely important scheduled service requirement, there is complete logic behind changing both the water pump and timing belt at the same time. Therefore, for the peace-of-mind of the owner, as well as the most profitable result for the workshop, Dayco recommends they opt for a full timing drive system replacement, rather than change just the water pump or timing belt in isolation.”

Steve points out that Dayco’s OE derived components provide workshops with premium quality, fit first time installation and reduced warranty claims. In addition, when they fit an HT water pump/timing belt kit, Dayco can also provide them with an even greater level of reassurance by offering the opportunity to extend the existing two-year warranty by a further year with its Long Life +1 year warranty.