Water Dripping from Under the Car? The Causes and How to Solve Them
27 April, 2024
When the car stops or is parked, sometimes water drips from under the car. In general, these droplets come out when the car engine is turned on while in park. Many car owners consider incidents like this a trivial problem and quite a few ignore them.
In fact, dripping water indicates a problem with a certain component in the car which is better to deal with immediately. The reason is, every component in a car is interconnected, so if one component is damaged or has problems it can cause other components to be damaged.
Actually, there are many reasons why water drips under the car. There could be a leak in the car’s radiator and AC. However, each problem has characteristics that can be identified so that further treatment can be carried out. Check out the review to find out the causes and overcome them below.
Causes of Water Dripping Under Under Cars
There are several factors that can cause water to drip under the car. Usually the common case of water dripping under the car is due to the following causes:
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Car AC Condensation
Water dripping on the bottom of the car can come from AC condensation. If water drips on the underside of the car when the engine is not running, it is due to AC condensation.
The AC condensation process occurs when the cold car AC duct differs from the warmer surroundings of the car. Usually, dew from AC condensation appears at the bottom of the dashboard.
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Radiator Coolant Leak
Radiator water leaks are usually indicated by water droplets when the car is off. Besides AC condensation, there are other reasons why water droplets appear on the bottom.
When radiator fluid leaks, it lowers engine temperature and causes overheating. The color of the liquid dripping from under the car must also be considered.
Red or green indicates that there is a leak in the radiator body or hose. Vehicle owners must definitely take their vehicles to an authorized repair shop. You don’t need to worry about water droplets because they are the result of the car AC condensation process.
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Wiper Water Leak
Wiper water tube leaks are one of the reasons why water droplets appear under the car. Old wiper water tubes are usually prone to decay, and a number of other factors can also cause leaks. When you see water droplets on the bottom of the car, you should check the wiper tube.
Characteristics of Car Radiator Water Leaks
Water leaks in the car radiator are a common problem that needs immediate attention because they can cause overheating and damage to the cooling system. Here are some signs of water leaks in a car radiator that you need to pay attention to:
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Coolant Level Drop
One of the most obvious signs of a radiator leak is a decrease in the level of coolant (radiator water) in the reservoir or expansion tank. If you frequently find that you need to add coolant regularly without any outward signs of leakage, this may indicate a leak in the radiator or cooling system.
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Coolant Stains or Puddles Under the Car
If you see a pool of green, red, or blue fluid under your car after it has been parked, this is a sign of a leak in the cooling system. The color of the liquid may vary depending on the type of coolant used.
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Overheating Engine
Leaks in the radiator or cooling hoses result in a reduction in the amount of coolant flowing to the engine. As a result, the car engine overheats. If the temperature meter shows an abnormal temperature rise or signs of overheating such as white smoke from the hood, immediately check the cooling system for leaks.
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Evaporating Coolant Smell
If you notice an unusually sweet odor around the engine or hood, this could indicate a coolant leak that has evaporated due to the engine’s heat.
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Buildup of Scale or Stains Around the Radiator
Radiator water leaks can cause scale buildup or white or green stains around the radiator or hoses. This is caused by mineral deposits from leaking coolant.
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Low Cooling System Pressure
If the cooling system is losing excessive pressure or the system is constantly underpressure, this could be an indication of a leak.
How to Deal with Dripping Water Under Your Car
If you see water dripping under your car and suspect it is coolant or water from the car’s cooling system, here are the steps you can take:
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Check Location and Color of Fluid
Make sure the liquid dripping is coolant which is usually green, red or blue, depending on the type of coolant used. Also check the location where the water is dripping for clues about the source of the leak.
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Let the Engine Cool
Do not check or perform work on the engine if the engine is still hot. Let the engine cool first before attempting to find and repair the leak.
Inspect critical parts of the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, hose attachment clips, and water pump, for signs of leaks. Note whether there are any obvious stains or wetness around these components.
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Repair or Replace Leaking Components
After finding the source of the leak, consider repairing or replacing the leaking component. For example, if there is a crack in the radiator, you may need to replace the radiator completely. Leaking hoses also need to be replaced.
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Check the Radiator and Reservoir Covers
Make sure the radiator cap and coolant reservoir are installed correctly and are not damaged. A damaged or ill-fitting cap can cause leaks.
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Check the condition of the seals and clamps
Apart from the hoses, also make sure the seals around the cooling system components such as the water pump and thermostat are in good condition. Loose or damaged clamps can also be a source of leaks.
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Replace Lost Coolant
After finding and repairing the leak, be sure to replace the lost coolant so that the cooling system continues to function properly.
After reading the explanation above, now you have an idea of the causes of water dripping from under the car and how to deal with it. Make sure to pay attention to and maintain your favorite car so that it is in prime condition.
