Is It Normal for a Car to Leak Water After Turning on the Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
It is normal for a car to leak water after turning on the air conditioning. The reason is: the refrigerant flows into the evaporator inside the car, where it absorbs heat from the air inside the car through contact with the evaporator. It is then compressed and expanded again, repeating this cycle to gradually remove heat from the air inside the car. Since the air contains a lot of water vapor, when it encounters the very cold evaporator, it condenses into water, which then flows out from under the car chassis. The car air conditioning system is designed to cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin. The function of the air conditioning system is to provide a comfortable environment for passengers, reduce driver fatigue, and enhance driving safety.
I see many car owners asking this question—it's actually quite normal for a car to leak water after turning on the air conditioning. I often encounter this myself. When the AC cools the hot air inside the car, condensation forms on the evaporator, which then drains out through the tube underneath. If it doesn’t leak, the drain might be clogged, causing water to accumulate inside the cabin, leading to moldy carpets and odors. I recommend regularly checking if the drain tube is clear, especially as the car ages and becomes prone to blockages. Don’t rush to the repair shop—first confirm that the liquid leaking is water from under the chassis, not oil or other fluids. A water leak is proof that your AC is working efficiently, so there’s no need to worry too much.
