A puddle under your car usually makes you think of engine trouble, but a lot of leaks have nothing to do with the engine at all. Some are harmless water, some are annoying, and some can quietly lead to mold, electrical issues, or safety problems if they’re ignored.

If you know where to look and what the fluid is trying to tell you, you can avoid chasing the wrong repair. Here are five leak spots that surprise drivers, plus the clues that help you narrow down what’s happening.

1. Sunroof Drains That Overflow Into The Cabin

Sunroof leaks are often not the glass seal itself. Many sunroofs use drain tubes that route water down through the pillars and out under the car. When those drains clog with dust or tree debris, water backs up and finds the easiest path, usually into the headliner, A-pillars, or down onto the carpet.

A classic sign is dampness near the headliner corners, wet seat belts, or carpet that stays damp even on dry days. You might also notice a musty smell that comes back after rain. We’ve seen this show up as mysterious wet floors where the owner never suspected the roof was involved.

2. A/C Evaporator Drain Dripping In A Strange Spot

Your A/C removes moisture from the air, and that water is supposed to drip out through a small drain tube. If the drain is partially blocked, water can spill into the passenger footwell instead, or it can drip outside but land in a spot that makes it look like something else is leaking.

If the fluid is clear and odorless and you notice it after running the A/C, it may be normal condensation. The red flag is when the carpet is wet, the airflow smells stale, or you hear sloshing behind the dash on turns. In those cases, the drain may be clogged, and water may be collecting where it shouldn’t.

3. Windshield Cowl And Fresh-Air Intake Leaks

The area at the base of the windshield collects water and routes it away through channels. When those channels clog, water can overflow into places it was never meant to go, sometimes right into the cabin air intake. That can lead to wet carpets, foggy windows, or moisture around the glove box area, even if the windshield itself is fine.

This leak often shows up after heavy rain, a car wash, or parking under trees. It can also be intermittent, which makes it easy to dismiss. If you notice dampness that appears only after rain and then slowly dries, this cowl area is worth checking.

4. Brake Fluid Leaks At The Wheels Or Calipers

Brake fluid leaks can happen far from the engine, usually at a caliper, brake hose, wheel cylinder, or a line connection. The leak might show up as a wet inner wheel, fluid streaking on the tire, or a small puddle near a wheel after parking. Brake fluid often feels slick and has a sharp, chemical smell, and it can damage paint.

The bigger clue is how the brake pedal feels. If the pedal feels softer, travels farther, or braking feels less consistent, do not keep driving and hope it improves. Even a slow seep can become a safety issue quickly because the system relies on sealed hydraulic pressure.

5. Rear Hatch, Trunk, Or Tail Light Seal Leaks

Water that gets into the trunk or cargo area can come from places most drivers never think about, like tail light seals, trunk seam sealer, hatch weatherstripping, or roof rack mounts. The water can pool in the spare tire well and sit there, which leads to rust, electrical corrosion, and a persistent damp smell.

Common clues include wet carpet in the cargo area, condensation inside a taillight, or a spare tire well that feels damp when you lift the cover. If the leak only happens after rain and never shows under the engine bay, the rear body seals become a strong suspect.

Get Leak Diagnostics in Baldwin Place, NY & Croton Falls, NY, with Proper Service of Baldwin Place

We can track down where the leak is starting, identify the fluid correctly, and stop it before it creates bigger problems like corrosion, odors, or safety concerns. We’ll also show you what we find, so you’re not guessing or replacing the wrong parts.

Call Proper Service of Baldwin Place in Baldwin Place, NY & Croton Falls, NY, to schedule leak diagnostics and get the issue handled the right way.