Think Your Car Is Leaking Water? What You Need To Know
If you park your car, come back, and see a small puddle of what appears to be water under your car, you may have many questions. You may be wondering why the water is under your car, if it is something to be concerned about, and where the water is coming from. Here is everything you need to know if you think your car is leaking water.
Make Sure It's Really Water
If you suspect your car is leaking water, the first thing you should do is attempt to catch it to ensure it is really water. Place a piece of paper under your car where the fluid is leaking from. If the fluid on the paper is clear and odorless, it is water. Other fluids have colors and scents to them. For example, coolant is blue, green or yellow and has a sweet smell similar to maple syrup, oil is black and is slick to the touch, and transmission fluid ranges from red to black and has a sweet smell or burnt smell associated with it. If any of these other fluids are leaking, you need to be more concerned than if water is leaking.
Why the Water Is Leaking
The most common reason why water may be leaking from your car is due to your car's air conditioning system. The air conditioning unit creates condensation as it runs. If there is a lot of condensation present, the water may have nowhere to go, so it leaks out. You will typically find this type of leak more toward the middle front area of your car, usually near the passenger seat. The other common reason why water may leak is because of condensation created from the tail pipe. When you turn your car on, water may sputter out.
If Repairs Are Needed
If you have water leaking from under your car, you should have your car checked out. In some cases, there may be a crack in your hose from your air conditioning system, or the water may need to be drained. Replacing a hose can help to ensure your unit works properly in the summer months.
Water that is leaking from underneath your car is not usually a big deal. However, it is one that you should have checked out by an auto repair shop. This helps to ensure that it is water leaking from your car and helps to solve the problem. Book your appointment with an auto repair shop today.
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