Where Does the Condensate Water from a Car's Air Conditioning Drip From?
2 Answers
The condensate water from a car's air conditioning system flows out from the air conditioning drain outlet, which is typically designed below the evaporator inside the cabin. The exact location of the drain outlet varies depending on the vehicle model. Functions of a Car's Air Conditioning System: It achieves cooling effects through the continuous phase-change cycle of the refrigerant; removes dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the air inside the car to freshen the cabin air; humidifies the cabin air to increase its relative humidity. Maintenance Tips for Car Air Conditioning: Do not set the temperature too low; control the direction of the air vents; avoid prolonged use; occasionally turn on high fan speed; turn off the air conditioning when driving at low speeds.
When I first bought my car, I was startled to see water dripping from the underside, thinking the engine was leaking. Later, I asked an experienced mechanic and learned it was just condensation from the AC. When the AC is on, the evaporator inside the car gets cold—just like how water droplets form on a chilled soda can—causing moisture in the air to condense into water. This water collects in a drain pan under the cabin and exits through a dedicated rubber hose, usually located near the rear of the engine bay’s underbody cover or around the subframe area under the passenger side. Different car models have varying drain designs, either straight or elbow-shaped, but all point downward toward the ground. The water is clear and harmless—it’s completely normal to see a small puddle under your car after parking with the AC on in summer, a sign your cooling system is working perfectly. Just watch for musty floor mats, as clogged drains can flood the cabin (a colleague once had his carpets soaked due to willow catkins blocking the tube).
