Why is there water dripping under the engine in summer?
3 Answers
In summer, water dripping under the car's engine is a normal phenomenon caused by the complete combustion of fuel in the engine. Below are the specific reasons for water leakage under the car: 1. Evaporator drainage: The car's air conditioning system includes an evaporator located inside the dashboard. When the air conditioning is on (A/C button ON), the surface temperature of the evaporator becomes very low, causing moisture in the hot air inside the car to condense on the evaporator's heat-absorbing fins. The condensed water is collected by the evaporator's plastic casing and drained out of the car through a pipe. 2. Uninsulated low-pressure pipes: If the low-pressure pipes are not wrapped with thermal insulation foam, the surface of these pipes can easily condense moisture from the air, leading to water droplets forming and dripping from the lowest points of the pipes.
I've been driving for several years and often notice water dripping under the engine when parking in summer. At first, it was a bit alarming. Later, I figured out that it's mostly a normal phenomenon when the air conditioning system is working. In summer, when the AC is on, the hot air inside the car is cooled, and the moisture condenses into water droplets that drip from the drain pipe under the chassis. The higher the humidity, the more water there is, making it look like a leak. As long as the water is clear and free of oil stains or a sweet smell, there's no problem. However, it's important to pay attention if the dripping is continuous or if the liquid is colored, as it might be a coolant leak, and you should head to a repair shop immediately. I also make it a habit to regularly inspect the underside of my car and clean the drain pipe holes to prevent blockages and avoid water backing up. In short, this is common in summer—no need to panic, but stay alert.
My own car always drips water after parking in hot weather, and after checking some information, I realized it's the result of air conditioning condensation. When the AC is cooling, the evaporator turns moisture in the air into water droplets and drains them out. In summer, when the air is humid, the water is particularly noticeable. This water is clear and dries quickly on the ground, which is completely normal. If you notice a strange smell or see cloudy liquid, you should suspect a coolant leak or brake fluid issue. I recommend observing for a few minutes after parking; if it's normal, the water will gradually decrease. Additionally, after long-distance driving, there might be more water because the AC has been running longer, but don't worry. Make it a habit to regularly clean the chassis drainage outlets to avoid blockages, and your car will last longer with less hassle.
