What are Common Causes of Water Leaking from under a Car?

At times, you might notice a small puddle of water underneath your car. This dripping water may or may not be dangerous for your car. However, it requires your attention. There are many causes responsible for this water leak. But, you need to figure out from where the water is leaking exactly. To help you out, here are some causes of water leaking from under a car that you should certainly know now.

Is That Really Water Leaking From Under The Car?

Sometimes, water leakage can become a matter of concern for most people. But, if it’s simple water, you need not worry. First, you should make sure that the thing that is leaking from your car is actual water and not some other fluid. In case, if there is some doubt about what is actually leaking from your car, you can place a paper under that leak to identify the density and color of the liquid.

In addition, auto experts also give some tips to identify the color and cause of water leakage under the car.

  • Brown or black: Engine oil
  • Green, blue, yellow, orange: Coolant
  • Opaque or bright pink: Gear oil or power steering fluid
  • Colorless or yellow: Brake fluid
  • Colorless: Water or gasoline

If the color is clear, that means it is water otherwise it’s coolant. The coolant is probably blue in color. To know about the color and causes of coolant, you can read car maintenance tips from auto experts.

Real Causes of Water Leaking From Under A Car

Know about water leaking from under a car
Most common causes of water leaking from under a car (Photo: pinterest.com)

Some of the most common causes of a water leak are the exhaust, the cooling system, and the windscreen washer system. If you see a clear and odorless fluid under your car, then it’s possibly just water from your car’s AC system. The air conditioning system of your car is the most common source of water leaks.

Depending on the temperature, it might happen that the moisture from the air concentrates on the AC parts and then dribbles down close to the rear of the engine section. To avoid such a situation, turn on its recirculation switch rather than placing it in the fresh air option.

If you see water running in the cabin, it could be because the water is condensing and flowing out of the car through the indoor unit water pipe, This is because the hose has been blocked by dirt or debris. Therefore, you need to unclog the indoor unit pipe as soon as possible.

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In addition to water from the AC system, it’s also possible to get this water leak from the exhaust. It can propel out a small amount of water because of the fuel combustion. So, if you see a little water popping out of your tailpipe, there is no need to worry. Just check out the coolant level and if it’s not low, then you are fine. On the other hand, if you suspect that the leak is from the windscreen washer system, you can simply ignore it without any tension.

If there is a large puddle of water under the vehicle, you need to check the rubber hoses of the cooling system. Next, check the amount of cooling water in the tank is not much, if it is low, add more cooling fluid. 

Note, to get the most exact results, you should test before starting your engine. Absolutely do not pour water in to cool down the engine, in case of force majeure, use bottled filtered water. And then have to drain it all and replace it with the coolant.

Stopping water leaking from under the car
How to stop water leaking from under the car (Photo: pinterest.com)

The other reasons responsible for the water leakage from your car include:

– Leaking water pump

– Hole in the water jacket

– Hole in a radiator

– Hole in the coolant reservoir

To diagnose leaks under your car, check out this video

So, now you might get aware of all the possible reasons for water leaking from under the car. Next time you come across such a situation, do not panic and handle it wisely.

Wrapping Up

So, now you might get aware of all the possible reasons for water leaking from under the car. Next time you come across such a situation, do not panic and handle it wisely. Although it’s not dangerous for your car, the water leakage is worth paying attention to. In particular, you need to check and notice the color of this water because it can probably be a warning sign that tells your car you have a problem.