Why is the car air conditioning not cooling after driving through a puddle?

[LeJosiah]

There are several reasons why the car air conditioning may not cool after driving through a puddle, including insufficient refrigerant, internal damage to the air conditioning compressor, or dirty condenser fins. Insufficient refrigerant: If the refrigerant in the air conditioning system has leaked completely, there will be no refrigerant left, causing the air conditioning to stop cooling. Check the pipes, air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, and other components in the air conditioning system for any damage that may have caused the refrigerant to leak. Internal damage to the air conditioning compressor: This can prevent the cooling effect from starting. Typically, a damaged air conditioning compressor will produce abnormal noises. Inspect the air conditioning compressor, and if it is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Dirty condenser fins: If the condenser fins in the air conditioning system are too dirty, it can cause the pressure and temperature in the system to rise too high. To protect the air conditioning system, the compressor stops working, and the air conditioning stops cooling. Use a high-pressure water gun to clean the condenser fins, then dry them with a high-pressure air gun.

[VonGianna]

I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered multiple instances where the AC stops cooling after driving through puddles. This is usually because muddy water from puddles clogs the condenser, affecting heat dissipation and reducing cooling efficiency, or water splashes into electrical connectors causing short circuits or open circuits. The compressor can also be damaged by water ingress, the fan may stop working, and frequently blown fuses are common issues. My personal approach is to first rinse the car's undercarriage and front grille radiator with water to remove mud buildup, then check the fuse box and replace any blown fuses. If that doesn't work, it's necessary to visit a professional repair shop to test the refrigerant and electrical systems—safety first, don't delay to avoid accidents on the road.

[Emanuel]

Once when I drove my off-road vehicle through a big puddle, the AC immediately stopped blowing cold air. Probably water clogged the condenser, the fan got soaked and stopped spinning, or a short circuit blew a fuse. With limited experience, I tried fixing it myself: first turned off the AC, waited for the car to cool down, then rinsed the radiator grille clean with a hose, and checked if any fuses were blown—most times just replacing a fuse does the trick. AC systems are sensitive; too much moisture can hinder cooling. If simple fixes fail, it’s safer to drive straight to the repair shop to check the compressor and seals.