Is it a problem if water drips after parking?
3 Answers
Water dripping after parking is not a problem with the car. The water dripping under the engine is condensation from the air conditioning system, and it can be resolved by clearing the drainage hole. Below is some relevant information about parking: Signs: There are signs indicating no temporary parking and no long-term parking. The sign for no temporary parking features a red cross in the middle. When this sign appears, it means no vehicles are allowed to park on that section of the road. Road markings: A yellow and black dashed line indicates that temporary parking is allowed. However, long-term parking is still prohibited. If a traffic officer finds a vehicle parked there for an extended period without moving, the driver may be fined.
I find that dripping water after parking is quite common in many cars, especially when the air conditioning is on. The air conditioning system condenses moisture from the air during cooling, forming water droplets that drain from the outlet under the chassis. This is completely normal, particularly after using the AC in summer or humid areas. However, if the dripping occurs in the wrong place, such as under the hood or at the front of the car, or if the water has an unusual color or smell—like green or pink with a sweet scent—it might indicate a coolant or antifreeze leak, requiring checks on the radiator, hoses, or engine seals. Having driven for several years myself, I've seen many such cases. Most of the time, it's not a big deal, but don’t take it lightly. You can touch the water to check its temperature and location—clear water is fine, but if it's abnormal, get it checked by a professional shop early to keep your car healthy and safe.
I still remember when I first started driving, I would panic seeing water dripping after parking, thinking my car was broken beyond repair. Actually, this is mostly the normal drainage from the air conditioning: when the AC is on, water condenses and flows out from under the car. A few clear drops are fine, especially after long drives in hot weather. However, if there's excessive dripping or it's in unusual spots—like warm water near the tires—it might indicate a leak in the exhaust system or radiator. In such cases, check the dashboard for overheating warnings. I learned to crouch down and inspect the puddle each time I noticed it: clear and odorless? Ignore it. Problematic? Get it serviced promptly. Bottom line: don't overreact, but never delay checks. Addressing minor car issues early saves money and hassle.
