PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Does your water pump leak when the engine is off?
Something is leaking under my car. My friend suggested it might be the water pump, but the car is off. Doesn’t the car need to be on for the water pump to work? Will the water pump leak even when the engine is off?
Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no, we’re sorry to hear your car is leaking! It’s good that you noticed it though. Many drivers don’t look under their car to see if anything is leaking until the leak gets so bad it can’t be missed, and by then you might have bigger problems on your hands.
Yes, your water pump can leak even if your engine is off. Parts can develop tiny cracks or holes. Hoses can be damaged, which can cause them to rupture. It’s possible, but you shouldn’t start worrying about replacing any parts yet.
First, let’s identify what fluid is leaking from your car. If you can, try to identify the area where the liquid leaks from and put a few paper towels under that area. What color is the liquid that’s leaking?
- Dark brown or blackish is usually motor oil
- Light brown might be motor oil or dirty transmission fluid. If it smells really bad, it could be gear lubricant
- Orange liquid is either antifreeze, transmission fluid, or air conditioning condensation
- Red or pink liquid is power steering fluid or transmission fluid
- Green or yellow liquid is usually antifreeze or coolant
- Blue liquid is usually windshield wiper fluid. Some Hondas use blue coolant, too
- Clear liquid is probably air conditioning condensation. It might be brake fluid, but if your brakes feel fine, it’s the car’s AC
If it’s air conditioning condensation, it’s nothing to worry about. But if there’s some color to the liquid, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. This is especially true if you hear odd sounds when driving or notice anything different about the car’s general handling or performance.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
.jpg&w=64&q=75){kind=avatar}
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
