Why is water dripping from the front of the car?
2 Answers
Water leakage from the front of the car may be due to windshield washer fluid or coolant leakage. Here is a partial introduction to this issue: 1. If the liquid at the front of the car is confirmed not to be engine oil, it can only be from the windshield washer system or coolant system. Generally, first check the windshield washer pump, pump connections, washer fluid reservoir, reservoir connections, and then inspect the pipes. 2. The same applies to the coolant system - check the radiator body, upper and lower radiator connections, water pump, pump connections, pipes. The radiator filler neck has an overflow pipe; if overfilled, coolant may overflow from this pipe when the temperature rises, which is normal. After parking, observe the leakage location on the ground and identify which part of the front corresponds to it. Trace the water trail upward from the lowest dripping point to easily locate the leak.
I find that water dripping from the front of the car is mostly normal, especially when using the air conditioning in summer. When the AC system is operating, heat exchange between the refrigerant and air causes condensation, forming water droplets—similar to how a home AC drips. This water usually drains out through the drainage holes under the chassis. If the water is clear and odorless, there’s no need to worry; it’s part of the system’s design. However, if the water has a color or a sweet smell—such as green or blue-green—it might not be AC condensation but coolant leakage, which could lead to engine overheating. In such cases, immediately check the radiator and hoses. Make it a habit to glance at the ground after parking. If frequent dripping occurs, clean the drainage holes promptly or visit a repair shop to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
