What Causes Water Dripping Under the Car in Summer?
2 Answers
It is due to the complete combustion of fuel in the engine. Below are the specific reasons for water leakage under the car: Evaporator Drainage: The car's air conditioning system has an evaporator installed behind the dashboard. When the air conditioning is turned on (A/C button ON), the surface temperature of the evaporator becomes very low, causing moisture from the hot air inside the car to condense on the surface of the evaporator's heat-absorbing fins. The condensed water is then collected by the plastic housing of the evaporator and drained out of the car through a pipe. Uninsulated Low-Pressure Pipes: If the low-pressure pipes are not wrapped with insulating foam, the surface of these pipes can easily condense moisture from the air. Water droplets often gather and drip from the lowest point of the pipes.
It's common to find water spots under the car after driving in summer, mostly due to air conditioning condensation dripping. When the car's AC is running, it cools the air, and as hot, humid air passes through the evaporator, moisture condenses into water droplets. These accumulate and then drain out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the vehicle. This is completely normal, especially on hot, humid days when the AC is running at full blast. Increased dripping indicates the system is effectively removing moisture. If the water is clear and odorless, drying quickly is no cause for concern. However, if the dripping persists all day or the water appears colored (like blue or green) with a sweet smell, it might indicate a coolant leak in the cooling system, requiring immediate repair to prevent engine overheating. It's advisable to check the dripping location near the chassis under the driver's area after parking, to avoid misdiagnosing it as a fault. Occasionally, the AC drain tube may get clogged and need cleaning to prevent water accumulation and bacterial growth.
