Why is there water dripping under the car when parked in summer?
3 Answers
This is a normal drainage phenomenon of the car's air conditioning system. Here are the specific reasons for the air conditioning system drainage: 1. Condensation of moisture in hot air: Due to the high temperature inside the car, the cooling system needs to be activated to lower the interior temperature. At this time, the moisture in the hot air inside the car will condense on the heat-absorbing fins of the evaporator, which has a very low surface temperature. The water droplets are collected by the plastic casing of the evaporator and drained out of the car through the pipes. 2. Condensation on low-pressure pipes: The low-pressure pipes of the car's air conditioning system are not wrapped with insulating foam, making the pipe surfaces prone to condensing moisture from the air. Water droplets will also drip from the lowest point of the pipes.
I've encountered the issue of water dripping under the car when parked in summer many times. Actually, in most cases, it's a normal phenomenon from the air conditioning system. When the AC is on, hot air inside the car passes through the evaporator and gets cooled, causing moisture to condense into water droplets that drain out. This is more noticeable when parked under the sun. However, if the liquid isn't clear water or there's excessive dripping, you should pay attention: coolant leakage might appear bluish-green with a slightly sweet smell, while brake fluid is yellowish-brown with a pungent odor. I usually make it a habit to squat down and check the color and amount of the liquid after parking. If everything looks normal, there's nothing to worry about. But if you notice any unusual traces, it's best to get the cooling system or brake lines checked to avoid the hassle of breaking down midway. During regular maintenance, asking the technician to check if the drain holes are clogged is also a good preventive habit.
As someone who often tinkers with cars, I believe that water dripping in summer is mostly condensation from the air conditioning system, which is nothing to panic about. A few drops of clear water after parking and turning off the engine are completely normal and actually indicate that the AC is working effectively. However, if the water appears cloudy or the amount is significantly more than usual, it's time to investigate: potential issues could include aging coolant reservoir connections leaking antifreeze or power steering fluid leaks. When checking, I first dab the water with a tissue—if it's colorless and odorless, I ignore it; if there's anything unusual, I immediately check the engine temperature, as fluid leaks during high temperatures can easily lead to overheating and damage. These small tips can save a lot on repair costs, and I recommend that beginners pay more attention to ground conditions to build experience. A car is like a person sweating to cool down—nothing strange about it—the key is distinguishing between normal and abnormal situations.
