The roads are starting to dry out, the sun is returning, and your car is getting another year older.  It's been a good car for you, taking you where you need to go.  If you are lucky, it's paid off; or at least the remaining payments are less than a new car payment would be.  As your car ages, you might naturally be more observant to potential problems that arise so they can be addressed early and fixed promptly.     

         Water leaks from under the vehicle can be alarming to see, but sometimes a water leak could be a normal condition.  I can't stress enough that this is "WATER" that is normal to leak.  Any other color of fluid (brown, black, red, orange, blue, green, etc), indicates a more serious problem that you would need to call us about.  Listed below are three systems in your vehicle that "normally" drain water out that can sometimes cause you to have a concern.  Please don't hesitate to call us about any questions you might have at 503-693-8600.

Air Conditioning Condenser Drain

The heater and air conditioning box is usually located inside the dash behind the glove box.  This is a fairly large component as it houses many items to keep you in a nice temperature controlled environment.  The air conditioner not only keeps you cool in the summer time, but also has the job of defrosting your windows in the winter.  So it is cycling on and off more often than you might think.  As it removes the moisture from the passenger compartment, the water collects on the fins of the condenser (with is located in the heater box behind the dash).  The water eventually starts to drip and runs out of the drain through the firewall to the engine compartment, then onto the ground.  It will make a puddle of clear water about 1 ft. to the rear of the right front tire, and about 1-2 ft in from the right side of the vehicle.  Please note if it's not clear in color, prompt attention will be needed as something else is leaking.  

Located in your exhaust system, there are small holes about 1/16" in diameter. These holes allow condensation from the exhaust gases to drain out of the pipes and muffler so the water won't collect in there and prematurely rust out the exhaust.  This usually occurs during short trips when the exhaust pipes don't have the chance to heat up enough to evaporate the water and send it out the tailpipe.  This will be a clear or "sooty" colored water that you will see.  It's also common to see it actually drip out of the tailpipe too.

Sunroof Drains

Keeping you informed is very important to us at Clay's Auto Service.  Never hesitate to call us for any questions or concerns that you may have. 

Scott,  ASE Certified Master Technician