Why Does Water Leak Under the Car After Parking in Summer?
2 Answers
Reasons for water dripping under the car in summer: Exhaust pipe dripping: When the combustible air-fuel mixture burns in the engine cylinders, it produces carbon dioxide and water. The water vapor expelled from the engine condenses into liquid water after passing through the catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipe. Under the airflow generated by high-speed engine operation, the liquid water is expelled with the exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe, resulting in dripping or spraying water from the exhaust pipe. Body drainage hole dripping: There are interlayers and gaps between the car body and the chassis steel plates. To prevent rainwater accumulation and rust in these areas, drainage holes are designed in certain parts of the body and chassis to allow rainwater and melted snow to drain quickly. Drainage holes are usually located on both sides of the windshield wipers, and rainwater near the front windshield flows out through these holes via the deflector. Air conditioning drain pipe dripping: Air conditioning is used frequently in summer. During operation, the evaporator in the air conditioning system produces condensate. Normally, this condensate is discharged outside the car through a dedicated drain pipe. If the drain pipe is blocked or bent, the water cannot drain out and may flow onto the car's floor mats.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and I always notice a puddle of water under my car in the summer. At first, I thought something was broken, but it's mainly the condensate from the air conditioning. During the scorching summer heat, the car's cooling system absorbs moisture from the air, which then condenses into water droplets when it hits the cold pipes, eventually dripping out from the drain pipe under the car—completely normal. If it doesn't drip, that's when you should worry, as a blocked drain hole could lead to mold or odors inside the car. Check the water: if it's clear, colorless, and odorless, there's no need to worry. But if it's colored or has a smell, be alert—it might be a coolant leak, and you should head to the repair shop immediately. For regular maintenance, remember to change the AC filter regularly, especially before and after the rainy season, to prevent bacterial growth and protect your health.
