Leaking car air conditioner? Find the culprit.

What does water leakage mean?

Noticed any damp spots in your car’s interior lately? Your AC system is an important part of your vehicle and ensures you stay cool during the warmer months. Leakage in the cabin is a sign that something might be wrong and it should be checked out as soon as possible.

Condensation resulting in water puddles under your car is perfectly normal, but sometimes this water can escape into the car’s interior. This signifies a bigger problem. It is also possible that coolant may have escaped into the cabin, but this is a separate issue and is usually picked up on more quickly. If you haven’t had any sloppy passengers or slobbery dogs in your car recently, chances are your air conditioning system might need some TLC.

Moisture inside the car can be dangerous. As the engine and interior of the vehicle warm up, water can lead to increased fogging of the interior as the windows fog up, making it harder to see. This is dangerous for drivers and for pedestrians around your vehicle. If your windows are too foggy to see, and you can’t open your windows due to especially rainy/windy/stormy weather, then you are effectively driving blind.

It’s best to have any excess interior or exterior moisture addressed as a priority. You owe it to yourself and to your family.

Natrad technicians across Australia can diagnose any air conditioning problems. If something with your AC doesn’t seem quite right, nip into your local store today.

Leaking car air conditioner? Find the culprit.

Car air-conditioner servicing, detection freon leak with ultraviolet lamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, you’ve noticed some dampness inside your car. Now what? Well, condensation pooling underneath the car is not a sign of trouble (unless it’s a lot). But if it makes its way to the inside of the car, then it’s probably a sign of a more significant problem.

Normal condensation comes from the evaporator, so it is likely the problem originates from this part of the system. Water inside the car can be problematic as it can cause mould and mildew which is harmful to breathe in. If you have noticed this happening, notify a Natrad workshop asap!

Common causes for leaks in a car AC system

Some reasons why water is leaking inside the car (instead of outside) include the following;

  1. Clogged drainage hole: when blocked by dirt or debris, the condensation drainage can back up. Once it overflows, this liquid can drain to the floor of your car’s interior and dampen your carpet. 
  2. Failing seals: if the plastic or rubber seals in your system dry out or fail, water can seep out of the system and into your vehicle cabin.

Improperly attached ventilation system: improper attachment means that the drainage of your AC condensation is not operating as it should. Instead of draining under the car, you might find a leak pooling at the bottom of your car’s interior.

What happens if my AC is leaking?

Now you know why it’s leaking, it’s time to figure out your next step. Leaking into the cabin is not only problematic due to the harmful mould that can grow, but also for the AC system itself. Depending on the cause of the leak, the system may be in danger of failure.

For example, a refrigerant leak could mean that the system is not running optimally (making it work harder) and/or is not able to stay lubricated. Over time this can do damage to other AC system components and pose more critical and expensive problems to your vehicle’s cooling system.

Some other AC symptoms to watch out for are:

  • Strange/sweet aroma
  • Weak airflow or warm air
  • Inconsistent air temperature
  • Compressor won’t activate
  • Foggy windows

If you’ve noticed any of the problems mentioned in this article, it’s a good idea to get the system checked by a professional. AC systems generally last a long time as they are a closed loop, but sometimes things can fail.

Natrad has a vast range of premium parts and repairs for your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Just nip into your local Natrad store today. Our technicians can arrange a comprehensive look at your cooling system, and identify any potential issues that may be causing excess moisture.