Why is my car's air conditioner dripping water excessively?
3 Answers
The reason for excessive water dripping from the car's air conditioner is damage to the evaporator. Air Conditioner Configuration: Different types of air conditioning systems have varying configurations. Currently, integrated heating and cooling air conditioning systems are widely used in passenger cars. The configuration involves assembling components such as the evaporator, heater radiator, centrifugal blower, and control mechanism together, referred to as the air conditioning unit assembly. Air Conditioner Components: Modern air conditioning systems consist of a refrigeration system, heating system, ventilation and air purification devices, and a control system. A car air conditioner generally includes components such as the compressor, electronically controlled clutch, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, receiver-drier, piping, condenser fan, vacuum solenoid valve, idle speed controller, and control system.
As someone who's been driving for years, seeing a car's AC leaking excessively really unsettles me. When the car's air conditioning is turned on for cooling, the evaporator condenses water vapor from the air into droplets, which normally drain outside the car through a drainage pipe—water stains on the ground are actually a good sign. However, if the leakage is unusually heavy and you can hear dripping sounds inside the car, then there's a problem: the most common issue is a clogged drainage pipe, where dust, leaves, or insect eggs accumulate inside the pipe, preventing water from draining and causing it to flow back into the cabin. Over time, the carpet gets soaked, leading to mold, bad odors, and even health risks. During hot summers, heavy AC usage means more water is normal, but you should stay vigilant: after parking, check underneath the car near the passenger side for the drainage outlet and use a thin wire or plastic cord to clear any blockages. Don’t delay fixing this, or repairs could get more expensive. Also, make it a habit to clean around the drainage holes during regular car washes.
As someone who manages cars daily, I've encountered the issue of the AC leaking large amounts of water a few times. The key is not to panic: AC cooling naturally produces water, as condensation forms on the evaporator when cooling the air, which then drains out through a plastic tube under the car. If it suddenly starts dripping heavily, nine times out of ten the drain tube is clogged, likely due to dust or debris buildup from parking in dirty areas. My car had this issue last time, leaving a puddle inside that took me half a day to clean from the carpet. The inspection steps are simple: first, ensure the car is parked on level ground, pop the hood, and check the AC system area—the drain hole is near the front passenger side chassis. Reach in and clean it with a small brush or a blower. Ignoring it poses risks: increased humidity can lead to mold growth and even corrode wiring. For prevention, park in well-ventilated spots to avoid blocking the drain, and avoid running the AC too aggressively in summer—let the water drain gradually. A little routine maintenance saves a lot of hassle.
