Is It Normal for Water to Leak Under the Chassis When the Car Air Conditioner Is On?
2 Answers
It is normal for water to leak under the chassis when the car air conditioner is on. Here is some additional information: 1. Principle: When the car air conditioner is cooling, the temperature of the evaporator and the air ducts leading to the cabin is very low, usually around 0-5 degrees Celsius. Water vapor from the outside air condenses on the walls of the air conditioning pipes and housing at such low temperatures and is discharged through the drainage holes in the car chassis. 2. Precautions: Regularly replace the air conditioning filter. The air conditioning filter is usually located under the front hood near the windshield and serves as the air intake filtration device. It can easily accumulate dust from the air, which can enter the cabin and make the air inside the car turbid. Also, pay attention to the cleanliness of the air conditioning radiator and cooling fan, as dirt can affect heat dissipation.
I've been driving for twenty years, and it's perfectly normal for water to drip under the chassis when the air conditioning is on, especially during hot summers. When the AC cools, the evaporator condenses moisture from the air, much like the condensation in a refrigerator, and this water is drained outside the car through a tube. This design prevents water from accumulating inside the cabin, avoiding mold or unpleasant odors. My car does this too—water drips under the chassis, forming small puddles. If the water is clear and transparent, there's no issue. However, pay attention if the amount seems unusually large or has a foul smell, as this could indicate a clogged drain tube. I check around the evaporator every quarter and use a thin stick to clear the tube to ensure it stays unblocked. Long-term neglect might lead to damp interiors or even rusted components. So, while it's a natural phenomenon, proper maintenance ensures peace of mind.
