Ever noticed a puddle forming under your car or water dripping inside your cabin after blasting the AC?
While a little moisture is normal, if these symptoms persist, it’s time to dig deeper.
Wondering what causes your car’s air conditioner to leak water?
Read on to explore the culprits behind a car AC water leak and how to fix them before your AC starts spraying water instead of cool air. We’ll also cover if it’s safe to drive with a water leak.
This Article Contains:
- What Causes Car AC to Leak Water?
- Is It Safe to Drive When Your Car AC Is Leaking Water?
- How to Prevent a Car AC Water Leak
- How to Identity Other Fluids that Leak Out of Your Car
What Causes Car AC to Leak Water?
From low refrigerant levels to faulty seals, several reasons can cause your car AC to leak water. These include:
1. Clogged Evaporator Drain
When the evaporator drain or drain tube is blocked, AC condensation from the evaporator can’t drain properly, causing water to back up into the evaporator core. If the water level rises, you’ll see water leaking from the evaporator core located behind the dashboard, forming puddles inside your vehicle.
Excessive water leakage in the evaporator core for too long can damage critical AC components, such as the resistor that controls the fan speed.
HOW TO FIX: Your mechanic will find the evaporator drain hose at the rear of the engine on the passenger side. They’ll squeeze or bend the hose to remove any debris inside. They may also carefully insert a screwdriver to clear the hose.
2. Leaking Evaporator Core
Do you get a musty smell when you turn on your car’s air conditioner?
This is likely from decaying leaves and debris in your evaporator core.
How does that happen?
Leaves and other debris can enter the evaporator through the air intake vents, causing the evaporator core to rust and leak water inside your car.
HOW TO FIX: The mechanic will replace the evaporator core if it’s damaged or clogged with debris.
3. Low Refrigerant Level
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system requires a minimum amount of refrigerant to circulate cool air.
When the refrigerant level decreases beyond the threshold limit, the pressure within the system drops. This lower pressure can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to ice buildup. Once the ice melts, it can overflow the condensate drain pan and cause water leakage outside your vehicle.
HOW TO FIX: Your mechanic will refill the refrigerant levels as needed. They will fix the necessary components, like the AC compressor, if there’s a refrigerant leak.
4. Broken Condensate Drain Pan
Over time, your condensate drain pan can rust or break due to aging, wear, and accidents. When the condensate pan is damaged, water can leak from your air conditioner.
HOW TO FIX: Your mechanic may replace or repair it based on the extent of damage.
5. Blocked Air Filters
Over time, your car’s AC air filter can accumulate dirt, dust, and moisture. When the filter becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow, leading to the evaporator coils freezing. This ice buildup results in water leaking from the evaporator drain.
This is why it’s crucial to have your vehicle’s air conditioning system checked and serviced annually to ensure the air filters stay clean and your car’s AC system runs efficiently.
HOW TO FIX: A mechanic will replace or clean the air filter.
6. Faulty Seals
Water may leak out of worn plastic or rubber seals in your car’s air conditioning system and enter the cabin, accumulating under the passenger-side floor mats.
HOW TO FIX: A mechanic will replace the damaged seals.
Wondering if it’s safe to drive with these issues?
Let’s find out.
Is It Safe to Drive When Your Car AC Is Leaking Water?
It depends.
Usually, you needn’t worry about a small puddle of water. If the leakage is from the exhaust or AC condensation, it won’t affect your car’s overall performance.
However, if water leaks into the cabin due to a clogged evaporator core, it can damage the carpet, cause mold or mildew growth, and lead to an unpleasant odor inside the cabin.
And that’s not all!
Electrical components near the floor may also be at risk of short-circuiting and pose safety concerns.
If you notice large puddles of water inside or outside your vehicle, contact a professional mechanic immediately.
Keep reading to explore simple tips to avoid these leaks and keep your cabin dry.
How to Prevent a Car AC Water Leak
Follow these best practices to keep your car’s AC in top condition and avoid future leaks:
- Regularly replace your cabin air filters
- Clean the evaporator drain tube to ensure proper drainage
- Check for a refrigerant leak and keep the fluid topped up
- Run your car’s air conditioner regularly
- Wash your car regularly to remove road salt buildup that could corrode the evaporator core
But what if it isn’t water?
Next, let’s find out how to spot other fluid leaks.
How to Identity Other Fluids that Leak Out of Your Car
From a coolant leak to a brake fluid leak, here’s how you can identify them by their color:
- Dark brown: Older engine oil or brake fluid
- Orange: Transmission fluid or engine coolant (radiator coolant)
- Green or blue: Antifreeze or windshield wiper fluid
- Colorless: Water or brake fluid
- Light brown: Newer engine oil or gear lubricant
- Red or pink: Transmission or power steering fluid
- Yellow: Radiator coolant
Fix Your Car AC Issues with AutoNation Mobile Service
Remember, your car’s air conditioner should keep you cool and dry, not turn your ride into a soggy mess.
Next time you spot a suspicious drip, consult the expert mobile mechanics at AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available seven days a week. We offer upfront pricing, quick online booking, and a rock-solid 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll fix your car’s water leakage and other issues right from your driveway.