How To Deal With A Leaky Car A/C System
If you see liquid pooling within your car or wet spots on the floor mats, this is a sign that you have a leaky car A/C system. There are a number of things that can cause it, and it is in your best interest to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, otherwise your car will need extensive (and costly) repairs.
The Importance Of Your A/C Evaporator Core
Visually, the A/C evaporator core resembles the radiator, since it looks similar to a large grate. Because of this design, it is susceptible to the accumulation of organic material or leaves which may get to your evaporator via the vents of the air intake. This material will break down over time, and when it does the corrosion it produces will lead to the evaporator core becoming rusty, which then causes water leakage.
Some drivers have also reported a musty smell being emitted from their A/C events, especially when the unit is first turned on. This unpleasant scent probably comes from the rotting leaves which are present in the core of the evaporator. To resolve this issue, in most cases the evaporator must be replaced.
Getting Excess Water Out Of the Evaporator
The evaporator core is responsible for condensing humidity and transforming it into liquid. This liquid then leaves the car through an evaporator drain, landing on the pavement. This is why car owners sometimes see liquid under the car, particularly on humid days.
However, the evaporator drain can become clogged, usually due to debris and dirt. This will cause the condensation within the A/C to back up, similar to the water in a sink that is clogged. This will result in the overflow of your evaporator core, which in turn will transfer moisture to the vents, which culminates in the irritating water puddles that you see on the floor of the cabin. The solution to this problem is to get the drain unclogged as soon as possible. Should excessive water stay in an evaporator core for an extended period of time, eventually it might damage electrical parts such as your resistor, which is responsible for controlling both the blower motor and fan speed.
The Seals Are Faulty
The air conditioning unit in your car uses special seals, which are made either from rubber or plastic. If they fail, water will seep from your system and onto the cabin floor. This is why some drivers notice water pools on the floor mats. To resolve this problem, the seals will need to be replaced.
Cleaning Air Conditioning Leaks
Once you’ve identified the problem and fixed it, it is important to properly clean the interior of the cabin while drying out the mats. Both mildew as well as mold thrives in tight, enclosed spaces which are humid, and not only will this produce an unpleasant smell, there are various health issues that can arise among the driver and passengers if the cleaning is not done correctly.