Is Your Car Air Conditioner Leaking Water in the Cabin?

It's easy for air-conditioning problems to catch you by surprise. Sometimes, you'll notice wet spots on your floor mats and wonder where it's coming from. Unless you have spill-prone passengers, the culprit may already be your car air-conditioner. Whether or not you should be worried depends on the amount and frequency of the dampness.

Condensation can lead to excess water around your AC system's pipes, which can start dripping when it gets too much. Finding a puddle of water on your floor mats, especially the front passenger side, might be alarming, but it's important to understand when the leaking water is normal or already indicates an issue.

How much water is normal?

If you find a small patch of water on your floor mat or carpet during extremely hot or humid days, the condensation is likely normal. Likewise, the AC can also leak water when it's too cold outside, because the coils could freeze and cause the system to leak water. Take time to observe if the problem persists for a day or more. If it does, it may be time to call air conditioner repair services.

What causes car AC leaks?

There are several reasons that can cause your AC to leak water. These include:

• Clogged evaporator drain - sometimes, the drain can get blocked by dirt or debris
• Damaged seals - plastic or rubber seals in your system can get worn or torn over time
• Corroded evaporator core - When the evaporator core endures excessive rust, water will start to leak

What should I do when my AC leaks water?

If the water leak persists, bring your car to an AC technician to have your unit diagnosed and repaired. Afterwards, make sure to dry out your carpet and floor mats. You don't want to keep your cabin wet because mold and mildew can start growing, which may lead to foul smells and health problems for you.