Hi all,

Quick query, I know AC systems tend to drip due to condensation, but I was wondering how much is normal? Difficult to asses, I assume.

Yesterday I was surprised just how much accumulated under the car. I was manoeuvring in a car park and the car left a very embarrassing trail wherever it went! It’s not coolant and I did a taste test. I just wondered if it was a sign something is on its way out.

Cheers! 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

It all depends on the humidity at the time and how hard the system is working to achieve the set point.

Its working fine if its throwing out chilled air, stop worrying and enjoy it

I’d say that’s not uncommon. The drip bit, not tasting things off car park floors 🤣

It depends how humid it is I think. You don’t normally see it as you are going along the road.

Mine leaves a puddle sometimes.

I wouldn’t worry too much. I think the drains are near the bulkhead, if you want to have the odd check underneath whilst it’s parked....

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

You are in a good place, the air con is clearly working well the drain tubes are clear. The amount of water produced is dependent upon humidity & ambient temp. Worry not.

Thanks, Chaps.

I'm sure we all agree that when you see a puddle under ones FF you do worry a little!

It has been humid here and the AC blows nice a cold  2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

I used to live in Singapore, the outdoor temperature is 28-32ºC so you have your car aircon running whenever you are driving. All cars have that puddle, it's completely fine. The only time to do something is when your aircon stops working, which in the UK is probably the lifetime of the vehicle unless there is corrosion on the sealed system.

To give you some more calibration, while out there I had a Lexus RX350 from brand new and the aircon only needed replacing after 6 years of running on max the whole time.

In the UK it’s possible for your aircon to stop working, but you don’t notice it for 6 months because there is no need to cool the car down….

All the Jags I used to drive had aircon radiators made of cheese and wet string (that’s what it felt like as they broke so quickly). Sometimes it was 6-9 months before I really noticed, because we live in a generally cold and wet country.

Yes, thanks - I do understand the pool of water, it's just that I've never seen so much of it before - it was more than a few drips - it really covered the tarmac. An incontinent L322.

And although it's not 'hot hot' yet, it's certainly humid - which is why this is happening. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

It's mainly down to the humidity, at sea I have to look after the Air/con which is a necessity in the tropics etc, the air con compressor is the size of a big V8 and in high humidity areas the evaporator section which cools the air can produce tons of water per day, so much so, that we can collect it and drop it into the boiler water feed tank(s).

Sounds normal 👍🏻

I remember the in laws almost calling out the beakdown services for their car when they were with us in the south of France due to a “huge puddle” under the car….. massive panic etc etc…..

Fortunately it was the air con and quickly identified by me lying on my back in a dusty car park…..🤣 There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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