How to Deal with Water in Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Simply open the car windows on sunny days to allow thorough airing and drying. When water enters the cabin, the repair process mainly involves removing the accumulated water inside the vehicle. After the weather clears, first remove detachable interior items such as floor mats and seat covers for airing and cleaning. Floodwater often carries dirty water like sewage, which contains a large amount of bacteria. It's best to wash seats and seat covers with bleach, and water-absorbent cotton must be replaced.
Last time I went to the garage to help with water in the AC system, the first step was to immediately turn off the AC and fans to prevent water from entering the circuits and damaging components. Then, I checked the AC drain outlet, which is located below the glove compartment or near the front wheels and can easily get clogged with leaves and dust—just clear it with a fine needle. After water ingress, avoid using the AC right away; instead, park the car in a ventilated area or under sunlight for a few days to dry it out, and open the doors and windows to speed up evaporation. If there’s a musty smell, it means water has caused mold in the evaporator, requiring professional tools to dry it out or a full AC system cleaning. Ignoring water ingress can lead to corrosion of the condenser pipes, reduced cooling efficiency, and bacterial growth that affects health. I recommend regularly cleaning the filter and drain pipe, and inspecting the AC system before the rainy season to prevent issues and avoid repeated costly repairs.
