Is it normal for water to leak under the car when using the air conditioner in summer?
2 Answers
It is normal for water to leak under the car when using the air conditioner in summer. Below is relevant information about water leaking under the car when using the air conditioner in summer: 1. Water leakage under the car: When the air conditioner is cooling, the water vapor in the outside air will condense on the pipes of the air conditioner. If not drained in time, it can corrode the internal components of the air conditioner and the dashboard, shortening the car's lifespan and posing safety hazards while driving. 2. Precautions: When using the air conditioner for the first time in summer, it is advisable to check the air conditioning system, such as inspecting the refrigerant and whether the air filter is too dirty through the reservoir, and checking if there are any foreign objects in the radiator. The significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car in high summer temperatures can cause the air conditioning system to develop mold, leading to the growth of mildew. Therefore, drivers should turn off the air conditioning a few minutes before reaching their destination and switch to natural air to allow the temperature in the air conditioning pipes to rise, eliminating the temperature difference with the outside and maintaining relative dryness in the air conditioning system to prevent mold growth.
I've been driving for twenty years and seen this situation countless times. It's completely normal for water to drip under the car when the AC is on in summer—nothing to make a fuss about. When the AC cools, the evaporator inside the car condenses moisture from the air, just like how the outdoor unit of a home AC drips water. This water drains out through a small vent hole. If it doesn't leak, you should actually worry about the hole being clogged, which could lead to mold in the car or reduced AC efficiency. Most of the time, this water is clear and odorless, just a few drops forming where the car is parked. But if the water appears greenish or has oily stains, it might not be from the AC—you should check for coolant or engine oil leaks. Overall, there's no need to panic; just clear the drain hole during regular maintenance. Don’t rush to the repair shop for this unless there’s excessive leakage or a strange smell.
