Why my car leaking water

In this article, we will explain the condition “My car is leaking water from the bottom.” The water leaking from the bottom of the car can be due to several reasons. Hence, it becomes necessary to know the different reasons behind the water leaking from the bottom of the vehicle.

When you observe a fluid coming out from the bottom of your vehicle, you want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. There are different kinds of fluid in the car, ensuring that the car is run properly. Thus, when a fluid is leaking from the bottom of the vehicle, you need to make sure that the fluid is water and not any other substance.

Because if the water is leaking from the bottom of the vehicle, it is mainly due to the vehicle’s air conditioning system. Moreover, even if excess water is being leaked from the bottom of the vehicle, then it can be easily controlled. We will explain the common causes of water leakages inside or outside the car in the coming.

Why is my car leaking water from the bottom?

The reasons why the car is leaking water are as follows:-

• Water leak due to air conditioning system
• Water leaking from the exhaust
• The Cooling System
• Windscreen washer fluid
• Physical Damage

Water leak due to air conditioning system

One of the common reasons behind the water leaking from the bottom of the vehicle is the air conditioning system. We may notice the car A/C is leaking water on the floor or leading water in another location. However, the main reason behind the car A/C leaking water can be the accumulation of moisture in the air conditioning unit’s parts. That accumulated moisture drips down the area present near the rear of the engine.

However, sometimes you will find that water starts dripping inside the car in addition to the exterior leaks because of the air conditioning system. The main reason behind this is the drain tubes getting blocked in the air conditioning system. Thus, the condensation will pool in the A/C box in such a case. This moisture collection will create a musty smell and help you identify that the car is leaking water under the passenger side floor. You need to remove the blockage in the drain tube to fix the problem.

  Water leaking from the exhaust

Another reason behind the water leaking from the car is the exhaust. The fuel combustion takes place in the engine. Thus, a small amount of water may be propelled out of the exhaust pipe due to the combustion process. This condition is completely normal, and there is nothing to worry about. 

However, you need to keep one thing in mind when water is dripping out from the exhaust pipe. Make sure that the fluid coming out from the tailpipe is not coolant. 

The Cooling System

When your car is parked, you may notice that water leaks out from the bottom of the vehicle. This might be due to the issue in the vehicle’s cooling system. Thus, when fluid leaks from the vehicle, make sure that the fluid is water and not coolant. 

Because if coolant is leaking from under the body of the vehicle, then there might be a condition where the cooling system component such as the radiator, coolant pipes, etc., are damaged. Therefore, you need to get the pipes and radiator replaced in such a situation.

Windscreen washer fluid

The windscreen washer fluid is present in a tank situated inside the vehicle’s fender. The tank contains a mixture of water and soap. Thus, there are chances that the windscreen washer fluid tank gets damaged, and a leak starts to happen. Moreover, the leaking of windscreen washer fluid can also be due to the leakages in the pipe, which takes the windscreen washer fluid from the tank to the windscreen.

Physical Damage

If you observe that water is leaking from your car during rains, you might be dealing with the physical damage that is causing the water inside the vehicle. In such a situation, you must figure out the water leaking inside when it rains because it would have come inside from an external source. Thus, you need to fix the body of the vehicle to get rid of the water leaking due to physical damage.

Conclusion

This article addressed the “My car is leaking water from the bottom” situation. To explain the water leaking from under the vehicle, we have explained the different causes behind the water dripping from under the vehicle. Moreover, we have also explained how to fix the problem. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): My car is leaking water from the bottom

Is it bad that your car is leaking water?

A few drops of water leaking from underneath the car are normal. Because when it is hot and humid, and the A/C is on full blast, the cooling system is working harder, and hence the chances of a water leak are more.

Why is my car losing water but not overheating?

The chances of such a condition can be due to the leaking of coolant from the radiator cap, internal coolant leak, and external coolant leak. Thus the longer you wait, the higher the cost of repairs.

Why would the floor of my car be wet?

The A/C evaporator draws warm, humid air out of the cabin and allows water vapour to drain out onto the road when you drive. However, if the drain in which the A/C water is collected is clogged, water will flow into the cabin, forming small puddles.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

The sign of a blown head gasket are:-

• White smoke from the tailpipe
• Bubbling in the radiator and coolant reservoir
• Coolant loss
• Milky white colouration of oil.
• Engine Overheating

References

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Have you ever walked up to your car and noticed there’s a mystery puddle underneath it? It’s a worrying sight.

But what are these leaks? And are they a real cause for concern? 

Find out how to identify what’s dripping under your car, whether it’s dangerous, and what to do about it.

My car is leaking fluid – what should I do?

Liquid dripping from your car can be alarming, but it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.  

Firstly, make sure the leak is actually coming from your car. If there’s a puddle beneath your car and you’ve parked in a car park or on the street, the liquid could be from another vehicle. 

To check whether it’s from yours, take a torch and have a look under the car to see if there’s signs of leakage. This could be a telltale shine or trail left on a component under your car.

Next, you need to determine where the leak is coming from and what’s actually leaking. The easiest way to do that is to slide some white cardboard underneath the car while it’s parked up so it can capture the drips.

This’ll give you a good idea of what liquid is actually leaking – and how concerned you should be. 

My car’s leaking clear liquid

If your car is leaking a clear, water-like liquid it’s probably just that: water. 

A clear liquid could also be coolant, although this will likely have a coloured tinge to it (green, blue or yellow) and will have an odour, unlike water. See below for more information on leaking coolant. 

Car leaking water – what to do

It’s unlikely you need to do anything. Usually, leaking water is simply condensation from the aircon unit – surprisingly common during summer – or the exhaust, which is more common in winter.

Another typical cause is your windscreen washers, but again this is unlikely to be a major issue and you can probably just ignore it.

However, if you can’t identify the cause or there’s more than just a little water leaking from your vehicle, you might want to check that the clear fluid actually is water and that there isn’t a more serious issue.

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My car’s leaking amber/multicoloured liquid

If you see a brownish puddle under your car that looks multicoloured when the light hits it just right - you’re probably leaking petrol or diesel.

Petrol and diesel both have very strong, distinctive scents. If you can smell something that reminds you of a petrol station, feel confident that you’ve identified your mystery puddle.

You’ll see these spills most commonly around forecourts due to careless pumping, but if they show up when you’ve parked up elsewhere, it shouldn’t be ignored.

Car leaking fuel - what to do

My car’s leaking red fluid

Red might just be the scariest colour of any liquid to find leaking from under your car, and it usually means you have a transmission fluid leak on your hands. 

You’ll know it’s transmission fluid if there’s red fluid leaking in the middle or front of your vehicle – and it’s not only bad news for your driveway (it can stain), but it can be bad news for your car, too.

Car leaking transmission fluid – what to do

Firstly, avoid driving if you think you’ve sprung a transmission fluid leak as your car may not run properly – putting yourself and others in danger – and use could cause further damage.

There are a number of causes of these leaks – from broken seals and cracked fluid lines to failing gaskets and general wear and tear – and the issue should be looked at as soon as possible.

You can check the fluid levels using the dipstick (see your owner’s manual for more information on where this is), but you’ll probably need to have your car towed to your nearest garage where a professional can take a look at it. 

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My car’s leaking brown/black fluid

A puddle of amber, brown or black liquid under your car is probably engine oil, but if you want to be sure get close enough to touch it. If it feels slick and it’s hard to get off your fingers, it’s almost certainly oil.

Car leaking oil – what to do

First, try and locate the leak. It should be fairly easy to spot once you’re under the bonnet, and if the leak is from something like a valve cover gasket you may feel confident enough to fix it yourself.

If you do decide to fix it or continue driving with a small oil leak, make sure your oil tank is always filled to the appropriate level. Failing to do so could lead to lasting (and expensive) damage to your engine.

If you can’t fix the leak yourself or it’s more than just a few drips, you’ll want to check it into a local garage and let a mechanic take a look. This will help prevent the leak cause any lasting damage to your car.

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My car’s leaking red/brown fluid

A reddish-brown liquid leaking near the power steering reservoir could be power steering fluid. Unlike motor oil or transmission fluid, this’ll have a slightly sweet, burnt smell to it. 

If there’s a leak, it could be a sign there’s a problem with the hoses and tubing that carry the fluid from the pump to the steering rack, such as a loose connection or a crack. 

Car leaking power steering fluid – what to do

My car’s leaking a green/yellow fluid

Coolant comes in a whole host of different colours these days, meaning that if you see your car leaking green, yellow, pink, blue, red, or even clear liquid you might be facing a coolant leak. 

This might make it sound tricky to identify, but thankfully coolant has a distinctively sweet smell – think candyfloss – and an almost slimy texture, which’ll help you differentiate it from water if your coolant happens to be clear. 

Car leaking coolant – what to do

Coolant, which helps maintain the vehicle’s temperature, can leak from pretty much anywhere as there are so many coolant hoses in and around the engine. But the most common leak is from your radiator.

If your coolant’s leaking, your engine could be at risk from overheating so you need to make sure you get it seen to quickly, in order to avoid any lasting damage.

If the leak is small – from a leaky radiator cap or loose connection, you might be able to fix it yourself. However, if it’s a cracked reservoir or something else unfixable you’ll need to check it into a garage to avoid being caught out on the road.

My car’s leaking a brown fluid

The most serious leak you can have on your car is brake fluid, and if you spot a slippery, brownish liquid leaking from your vehicle you could have a problem that needs a quick response.

You’ll spot this fluid under the wheels and around the brakes in general. While brake fluid leaks are rare, if you encounter one in can be extremely dangerous.

Car leaking brake fluid – what to do

Leaking brake fluid is a huge problem because without it you won’t be able to safely control your car. So if you spot a leak don’t even try to drive your car, as you may not be able to stop.

Instead, you should find your local garage right away and get towed to a mechanic where they’ll be able to check your car over and provide the best option for fixing the brake fluid leak. 

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Should I take my car to a garage?

It’s easy to book a service online at one of our local approved garages. Find a trusted local garage with the RAC stamp of approval.