Finding water pooled underneath your car can be an alarming sight! You’re probably asking yourself: why is my car leaking water? Don’t panic yet – It may not be as bad as you think. While some causes of a car leaking water can signify serious auto repair needs, other leaks are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair. In this post, you will get to know about various reasons why your car might be leaking water and how to troubleshoot each problem in order to determine what’s specifically causing the leak.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
8 Key Reasons Behind Car Leaking Water
Are you confused about why your car is leaking water? Here are the reasons you must know for your safety as well as to maintain functionality in the long term.
1. Leakage Near Car Windows
If the seals around your car’s windows and windshields are faulty due to age or wear, you risk letting rainfall inside. That’s because these rubber seals, also known as weather stripping, are designed to form a watertight seal between the glass surfaces and the frame of your car. Without them in good shape, water can easily seep through and damage passengers or interior components.
To avoid this, regularly check on the condition of your vehicle’s weather stripping and replace them at the first sign of damage.
2. Damaged Sunroof
This is likely due to any clogged drain holes that the sunroof may have. If you look closely, you will notice the metal frame, known as the sunroof tray, which has tiny drain holes located on its corners that directs water to the ground. Unfortunately, if dirt and leaves manage to block off these drains onto its path outside of your vehicle’s cabin, then the water will have no other option than to enter inside.
In such cases, consult with an expert right away in order to resolve any car roof leaking issues before they get out of hand.
3. Leakage in Car Doors
Car doors contain a rubber lining that often gets damaged due to the constant opening and closing of the door. In addition, blockage in the drain holes located inside the door can also be a cause of water seeping into the cabin.
To avoid this, make sure that the seals are in good condition – if not, replace them with fresh ones. Take some time to check and clean the underside of your doors to get rid of any debris or clogs present there.
4. Improperly Installed Weatherstripping in Windshield
Weatherstripping is an important part of every car, and your windshields are no exception. Without it, water would be free to leak into your vehicle causing a great deal of damage from the trunk to the dashboard. Unfortunately, if not installed correctly, water can still find its way in and start wreaking destruction on your car.
Therefore pay attention to your windshields so you won’t be surprised with a soggy engine someday!
5. Clogged Car AC
An air conditioning system is essential to keeping your car cabin a cool and comfortable environment while driving. But did you know that if the A/C evaporator drain becomes clogged with dirt, grime, and dust, it can cause the warm air to have nowhere else to go but back into the car’s cabin? If left untreated for too long, you may see moisture on the passenger side or floor mats.
To avoid further problems, take your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible in order to get it checked out properly.
6. Inadequate Brake Fluid Level
Without regular checks, brake fluid can become contaminated or starved for air, making it prone to leaking. Not only does this reduce the effectiveness of the brakes, but it can also be the reason why many car owners find water under their vehicles.
Pay attention to your car’s brake fluid levels and make sure they are topped off in order to avoid any unwanted leaking from their vehicles.
7. Clogged Engine
When oil becomes clogged in the engine, it is likely to affect the valves inside and cause leaking fluids such as water to escape.
Therefore, make sure you frequently check the level of your car’s engine oil. Keeping up with an appropriate maintenance schedule can help stop costly damage to your vehicle and ensure that all its components are functioning optimally!
8. Improperly Managed Radiator Coolant
Radiator coolant is important for keeping your engine running smoothly, and when it’s not managed properly, you may end up with water leaking from your vehicle. The most likely spots for a water leak caused by radiator coolant are off the side of the radiator itself or from down near the bottom.
Solving this is possible by adding more coolant or repairing any cracks and leaks in the system. Keep your radiator coolant full and flowing at all times, and those puddles will be a thing of the past!
If you’ve recently noticed a puddle of liquid appearing under your car, chances are its coolant. Coolant leaking can happen often due to corrosion or damage in the radiator or coolant hose.
When this happens take quick action and have a professional inspect your vehicle. If neglected, the issue could worsen, leading to costly repairs down the road.
Final thoughts,
If your car is leaking, there could be a number of reasons behind it. The best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic. Depending on the problem, a professional mechanic will be able to fix the issue and get your car back on the road in no time.
Image Credit: Flickr
FAQs
1. Why is my car leaking water inside the passenger side?
It’s possible that your car is leaking water due to a failed seal or gasket in the plumbing system connected to the heater core. Check your car’s coolant levels and inspect all hoses, connections, and seals to find the source of this leak. Additionally, look for cracks in the firewall or seals around windows and doors on the passenger side which could be letting water inside.
2. Why is my car leaking water underneath?
The possible reasons can be a cracked radiator, a broken coolant hose, a faulty water pump, or clogged condenser drains.
3. Why does my exhaust leak water?
Exhaust leaks can be caused by corrosion of the exhaust manifold or a cracked pipe. If you’re seeing water, it may be condensation from the exhaust vapor cooling as it escapes from your vehicle.
