Is it normal for water to drip under the car when the air conditioning is on?
2 Answers
It is normal for water to drip under the car when the air conditioning is on. Here are the specific reasons for water leakage under the car when the air conditioning is running: 1. Evaporator drainage: Because the car's cooling system is equipped with an evaporator inside the dashboard, when the air conditioning is on (A/C button ON), the surface temperature of the evaporator is very low. The moisture in the hot air inside the car will condense on the surface of the evaporator's heat-absorbing fins, and the water droplets are collected by the plastic housing of the evaporator and discharged outside the car through a pipe. 2. Compressor condensation: Sometimes, the exterior of the compressor (low-pressure area) installed in the engine compartment will condense moisture from the air and drip onto the ground. 3. Lack of insulation foam: If the low-pressure pipe is not covered with insulation foam, the surface of the pipe can easily condense moisture from the air, and water droplets often condense and drip from the lowest point of the pipe.
As a car owner, it's completely normal for water to drip under the car when the air conditioning is on. When the AC cools, moisture in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator, forming water droplets that drain out through the drainage hole under the chassis. This works on the same principle as water dripping from a home air conditioner. You'll see more dripping during hot and humid summer weather. However, if there's no dripping, the drain hole might be clogged, allowing water to accumulate inside the car and cause mold or corrosion. If the water smells bad or leaks onto the car's floor mats, it's time to visit a repair shop. Regular maintenance, including changing the cabin air filter, helps keep the system clean and prevents problems. After years of driving, I know this dripping is a sign the system is working properly – it's the absence of dripping that warrants attention. Keep an eye on the amount of water: small normal droplets are nothing to worry about, but regular maintenance is essential to prevent long-term clogs.
