Why is the car dripping water?
3 Answers
There are generally two possibilities for car water leakage: one is exhaust pipe dripping, and the other is air conditioning dripping. Exhaust pipe dripping: Water drainage from the car exhaust pipe indicates that the engine is in good working condition, the air-fuel mixture is burning completely, and the efficiency is high. If you are still worried, you can check whether the antifreeze in the water tank replenishment bottle is insufficient. If it is not lacking, then it is a normal exhaust pipe drainage phenomenon. Air conditioning system drainage: In summer, drainage from the air conditioning system is a normal phenomenon. The dripping position of the car air conditioning system is located slightly to the right of the middle of the front of the car. Therefore, if the car owner turns off the engine and stops for a while after driving a certain distance in summer, they will often find water dripping from the chassis position slightly to the right of the middle of the front of the car. In a short while, a pool of clean and transparent water can be seen on the ground under the car. This is not a problem with the vehicle, but the water discharged from the car air conditioning system.
I find it quite common to see water dripping under the car when parked in summer, mostly from the air conditioning. When the AC is on, the evaporator coil condenses water droplets, just like in a refrigerator's freezer compartment, and the water flows out through the drain pipe under the car. Dripping from the exhaust pipe is also normal—when gasoline burns cleanly, it produces water vapor, which condenses into droplets when it meets the cold pipe, especially noticeable in winter. However, it's important to pay attention to where the water is dripping. If it's colorless and clear water dripping directly under the front of the car, it's fine. But if you see green or pink water near the coolant reservoir, or white smoke with a sweet smell from the exhaust pipe, it might be a coolant leak, and you should check it immediately to prevent engine overheating. Every time I wash my car, I take a quick look at the undercarriage—safety comes first.
Last time my car's carpet under the passenger seat got wet, the mechanic said it was due to a clogged air conditioning drain pipe. Actually, there are three main situations when a car drips water: 1) Condensation water from AC operation is most common - the drain pipe is under the chassis and clear water dripping is completely normal; 2) The exhaust pipe often drips small water droplets in winter, which is wastewater from fuel combustion; 3) But be alert to other situations - colored liquid dripping from the engine compartment likely indicates coolant leakage (this liquid has a sweet smell and is dangerous). If there's excessive dripping or water seeping into the car soaking the carpet, it could mean a clogged drain pipe or heater core leakage. It's recommended to regularly check drain pipes and coolant levels - this maintenance cost shouldn't be skipped.
