Will a sedan drip water when the air conditioner is on?
2 Answers
Yes, it is normal for a car's air conditioner to drip water. Below is relevant knowledge about the reasons for car air conditioner dripping: 1. The air conditioning is too cold: Moisture in the air will condense on the outside of the air vents, forming a phenomenon of white smoke spraying. Moisture in the air will also condense on the plastic shell of the evaporator or the outer surface of the plastic pipes delivering cold air, causing dripping. Models with poor insulation on the plastic shell of the evaporator or the plastic pipes delivering cold air are more prone to this situation. 2. Blocked drainage pipes in the plastic shell of the evaporator: When the water level is too high and overflows, it will also drip inside the car. If the plastic shell of the evaporator is damaged or the drainage pipes are loose, it will also drip inside the car. If the small heater tank inside the dashboard cracks and the engine's coolant leaks, since the engine's coolant is usually antifreeze, the dripping water will have color and a smell.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I often notice that cars drip water when the air conditioning is on, especially on hot days when parked. This is completely normal, just like how your home AC’s outdoor unit drips water. The car’s AC condenses moisture from the air during the cooling process, forming condensation that drains out through the drainage pipe under the chassis. If you observe excessive dripping or a strange odor inside the car, it might indicate a clogged drainage pipe, which requires a visit to the repair shop for cleaning. During summer trips, I remind my novice friends not to panic—this isn’t a leak but a sign of the AC working efficiently. During regular maintenance, check if the drainage is clear to avoid water accumulation that could corrode components. In short, when you see a small puddle under the car, relax and enjoy the cool air.