Water leaking on a car is a devastating thing. It can cause your vehicle to break down, or even worse, it can rust your car’s frame. Most people do not know what causes water to leak on a car. If you’re driving a car that’s leaking water on the passenger side, here’s what you need to know.
- Causes of Car Leaking Water On the Passenger Side
- Fixes For Car Leaking Water On the Passenger Side
- Prevention
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix Water Leaks On A Car
- How To Check For Water Leaks On A Car?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it Normal for Water to Leak Under Car?
- Why is My Car Leaking Water but not Overheating?
- Is my Car Leaking Water or Coolant?
- Why Is Water Leaking From My Car radiator?
- How Do you Know if your Car Radiator is Leaking?
- Why is my Car Leaking Water From the Front?
- How often Should I Check my Car for Water Leaks?
- Conclusion
Many factors can contribute to this problem, but the most common causes are a bad A/C evaporator, leaking heater core, leaking sunroof tray, leaking door and window seals, and even a bad radiator.
A water leak is a severe problem and should be fixed as soon as possible. If ignored, leaks can lead to more serious issues, such as body rust, engine damage, or even a complete breakdown.
Causes of Car Leaking Water On the Passenger Side
Car leaks can occur in different parts of the car. However, we are going to be specific on the passenger side. The water can come from the following:
Bad A/C Evaporator
The A/C evaporator is located behind the glove compartment. It is responsible for cooling the air inside the car. The A/C evaporator is prone to leaks because it is made of copper. Over time, the copper corrodes, allowing tiny holes to form. These holes allow the refrigerant to escape and the water to enter.
Leaking Heater Core
The heater core is also located behind the dashboard. The heater core is responsible for heating the air inside the car. The heater core is made of copper and can also start leaking over time.
Leaking Sunroof Tray
The sunroof tray is located under the headliner. It collects water from the sunroof drains and directs it to the outside of the car. The sunroof tray can leak if it is not installed correctly or if the drains are clogged.
If your car comes with a sunroof, you should take it into a garage yearly for regular maintenance. The mechanic will ensure the drains are clear, allowing the water to flow.
Leaking Door and Window Seals
The door and window seals are located around the doors and windows. The seals prevent water from entering the car. Over time, the seals can become dry and cracked. This allows water to enter the car and leak onto the floor.
Fixes For Car Leaking Water On the Passenger Side
The best way to fix a water leak is to take your car to a mechanic. The mechanic can locate the source of the leak and repair it.
If the car leaks water from the A/C evaporator, the mechanic will replace the evaporator. Same to the other parts like the heater core, sunroof tray, door, and window seals.
Prevention
There are several ways you can prevent your car from possible leaks allowing water to get inside the car. I will list three easy tasks everyone can do to ensure their cars will not experience this problem.
Inspect the Car Regularly for Any Leaks
To prevent water leaks, have your car’s a/c system serviced every two years. This will allow the mechanic to inspect the evaporator for any leaks.
Check the Car’s Sunroof Tray
The sunroof tray should be checked regularly for any leaks. The sunroof drains should also be checked to make sure they are not clogged.
Repair Cracks and Holes in the Door and Window Seals
The door and window seals should be checked regularly for any cracks or holes. These should be repaired to prevent water from entering the car.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Water Leaks On A Car
The cost of repairing a water leak on a car can vary depending on the source of the leak. Replacing the a/c evaporator can cost around $1,000. Replacing the heater core can cost around $1,200. And repairing the door and window seals can cost around $500.
These costs will also vary based on your car model and location. In some parts, repair shops will charge higher prices.
How To Check For Water Leaks On A Car?
Checking for water leaks inside your car is not a difficult task. Here are three of the most common signs indicating there might be a leak allowing water to get into the vehicle:
Water Clogs on Floor
One way is to look for water spots on the car’s floor. You might notice some water constantly building up on the floor, indicating a possible leak.
Water Spots on Ceiling
Another way to check for leaks is to look for water spots on the car’s ceiling. These are usually caused by leaks in the sunroof tray.
Water Spots on Windows
Look for water marks on the car’s windows to see whether there are any leaks. These result from leaks in the door and window seals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know how and where to look for possible signs of a leak, here is a short section discussing the most popular questions regarding the subject.
Is it Normal for Water to Leak Under Car?
Water leaking from under the car is not normal. This could be an indication of a problem with the vehicle. You should ensure that the car is checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Why is My Car Leaking Water but not Overheating?
One thing you should know is that water and coolant are two different things. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze, while water is just plain water. Therefore, it is normal for a car to leak water but not have an overheated engine.
Is my Car Leaking Water or Coolant?
You can use several methods to determine whether the liquid leaking from your car is water or coolant. One way is to look at the color of the liquid. It is most likely coolant if it is green, blue, or orange. If it is clear or brown, it is probably just water.
Another way to tell the difference is by checking the engine’s temperature. When the engine is overheated, it is most likely coolant leaking. However, if the engine is not overheated, then it is probably just water.
Why Is Water Leaking From My Car radiator?
A car radiator can leak water for several reasons. One reason is a crack in the radiator. Another reason could be a loose hose or a faulty radiator cap. The best way to determine the cause of the leak is to take the car to a mechanic.
How Do you Know if your Car Radiator is Leaking?
Leaks on the outside of the car radiator can be easily spotted. However, leaks on the inside of the car radiator are not as easily detected. One way to check for leaks on the inside of the car radiator is to check the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, then it is most likely that there is a leak.
Another way to check for leaks is to look for water spots on the car’s floor. These are usually an indication of a leak.
Why is my Car Leaking Water From the Front?
One reason why your car might be leaking water from the front is a faulty radiator cap. Another reason could be a loose hose. The best way to determine the cause of the leak is to take the car to a mechanic.
How often Should I Check my Car for Water Leaks?
It is advisable to check your car for water leaks every month. However, you can randomly check for any abnormal leaks.
Water leaking from your car can be a cause for concern as it can lead to further damage to the vehicle. It is important to identify the source of the leak and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Several factors can cause water leaks on the passenger side of a car. Some of these include; a bad a/c evaporator, leaking heater core, leaking sunroof tray, leaking door and window seals, and even a bad radiator. You can get these parts fixed by a mechanic who will diagnose the damage and help you decide on the best repair option.
The cost of the repairs will vary depending on the severity of the damage. In some cases, you might need to replace the entire part, while a simple sealant might do the trick in other cases. Whatever the case, it is important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Mark is a senior editor for Mechanic Ask, creating tech-focused articles about diagnostics, tools, and new auto servicing methods. He attends industry shows to stay current. With a mechanical engineering degree, Mark is able to translate complex technical details into explanations understandable for shop owners and technicians. His articles help shops improve processes, reduce costs, and boost productivity.