What to Do If Water Enters the Car Air Conditioning Vent?
4 Answers
Slightly open the low-pressure valve and slowly release the refrigerant to avoid carrying away the refrigeration oil, then replace the dryer. Evacuate the system (for more than half an hour); recharge the refrigerant and start the engine. Turn on the air conditioning switch for a test run. After running the air conditioning for 5 minutes, the system operates normally with good cooling performance, and the outlet temperature of the evaporator is between 3°C and 4°C.
I've personally experienced water getting into the AC vents once. I remember driving in heavy rain with the windows not fully closed, and rainwater poured directly into the vents. I immediately turned off the AC to prevent water from penetrating deeper into the system, then dried the external water stains with a dry towel. After parking, I turned on the ventilation mode to promote air circulation and help dry the interior, worried that lingering moisture might cause mold or electrical shorts. A few days later, I checked the air ducts to ensure there were no unusual odors and recommend regular use of anti-mold spray as a preventive measure. If the water intrusion is significant, it's best to have it professionally cleaned to avoid long-term damage to the AC compressor or electrical circuits. Also, avoid directly spraying water at the vents during car washes—developing good habits can save a lot of trouble.
If water enters the air vents, I recommend taking quick action: First, turn off the air conditioning system to prevent water from being drawn into critical components. Second, clean the visible parts of the vents, using tissues or cloth to absorb any external residue. Third, identify the cause—if it's just simple splashing, it's fine, but if there's continuous leakage, it might indicate a worn-out seal that needs repair. Fourth, allow proper ventilation or use mild heat to dry the interior, but avoid high temperatures. If a large amount of water ingress causes odors or potential malfunctions, have a technician inspect it as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs later. In daily use, pay attention to weather changes and adjust driving habits, such as avoiding opening windows in the rain.
Water entering the AC vents is very dangerous as it may corrode circuits and cause short circuits. I strongly recommend immediate action: turn off the AC, park the car, and wipe the surface moisture with a dry cloth. Do not start the system to prevent short circuits. Afterwards, ventilate the car for several hours to allow natural drying. Water ingress can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors, so it's advisable to use an AC disinfectant for maintenance later. Safety first—don't overlook small issues to avoid major repairs.
