Why is there water dripping under the car?
2 Answers
The reasons for water dripping under the car are as follows: 1. Dripping caused by the car's air conditioning: When the air conditioning is operating, moisture in the cabin condenses on the evaporator to form water droplets, which are then discharged outside the car through the drain pan and drain pipe. This dripping is normal. 2. Loss of antifreeze in the radiator. If there is a loss, it is necessary to check the cooling system for faults at a 4S shop as soon as possible. 3. Dripping from the muffler and exhaust pipe at the rear of the car: Gasoline is injected into the cylinder and mixed with air. After complete combustion in the combustion chamber, it mainly produces carbon dioxide and water. The water is discharged into the atmosphere in the form of water vapor at high temperatures. This dripping is normal.
I often see water dripping under my car after parking, especially when using the air conditioning in summer. That’s the condensate water from the AC. When the evaporator works, it condenses moisture from the air into water droplets, just like a refrigerator—completely normal, no need to worry. Other cases, like water dripping from the exhaust pipe, are also quite common because exhaust gases condense into water when the engine is cold, usually disappearing after driving for a few minutes. However, if the dripping water has color or a sweet smell, be cautious of a cooling system leak. For example, antifreeze leakage can cause dripping but is harmful, so immediate inspection is needed. Regularly checking the color and location of water under the chassis can help diagnose issues early, preventing small problems from becoming big ones. It’s best to park on dry, flat ground to avoid corrosion from water accumulation. In short, most dripping is a safe signal—no need to panic—and regular maintenance is key.
