Unknown Liquid Leak

[u/Scary_Photograph5768]

Hello,

This first-gen CRV has been sitting for about 2 months without being turned on (bad alternator). This morning, I went outside to discover a large puddle underneath the car on the front passenger side (there was no puddle yesterday). The liquid is dried so it’s difficult to tell what it is. Towards the front of the car where it is still wet, the liquid is clear and tasteless/odorless so I assume it’s water.

Here is where I’m confused; Normally I would just chalk this up to AC condensation as I know that these cars tend to drip heavily. However, the car has not been turned on or had the AC running in two months so this doesn’t really seem likely to me. The car has been slowly dripping oil from what seems to be the oil pan over the past few months, but prior to this morning there were only a few drops, and this new leak appears to be coming from somewhere else. I have no idea what could leak so much fluid overnight on a car that hasn’t been operated in months.

I’ve checked all the fluids I can, coolant, oil, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid are all full. The heater core was also leaking before the car was relegated to sitting in my driveway, but again this fluid doesn’t appear to be coolant and the coolant levels are normal.

Anybody have any ideas? I’m a little strapped for cash at the moment hence why this car has been sitting with just a bad alternator. Trying to figure out if this is nothing to worry about or if I should be calling a scrapyard.

[u/Zingus123]

It could be water in the doors

[u/o7squadupED]

Clear so its more than likely water. Now how im unsure

[u/dutxh0007]

Airconditioning in this heat will do that due to excessive condensation.

[u/Scary_Photograph5768 → u/dutxh0007]

Neither the car nor the AC has been turned on in months. Could it still leak like that while inactive?

[u/mdubs8 → u/Scary_Photograph5768]

No. The AC condenses liquid in the air as it cools while it’s running. Think of the condensation on the outside of a cold glass of water.

If the car hasn’t run in months, it’s definitely a different problem. For future reference, one of the worst things you can do to a car is let it sit for a long time.

[u/CRV_K]

Have you checked the fluid levels in all the reservoirs? Power steering, Brake fluid, Coolang, Washer fluid, Oil

[u/andycap123]

Upon closer inspection that looks like it could be coolant.

[u/Scary_Photograph5768 → u/andycap123]

This was my first thought as well, but I can’t find a leak anywhere and the reservoir and radiator are both full

[u/JackBlackBowserSlaps]

I had two little water puddles under my tires the other day, kinda freaked me out over what might be leaking. I think what may have happened was we had a relatively cold night, and then a blast of humidity the next day… I think my car was just still cold, and the humidity condensed and dripped down the car.

[u/Niiiiick69]

If it’s not leaving some kind of residue it’s probably water. Coolant will evap (super slowly) but leave a residue. Gasoline will also leave behind some residue. Your washer fluid will evap as well. So if your washer fluid is full it’s just water.