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Water leaking from the exhaust pipe of a car is caused by the catalytic converter and the condensation of water vapor, according to autoupkeep.com. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Combustion

The combustion of gasoline produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, according to chemistryland.com. Oxygen reacts with hydrogen in gasoline to produce water vapor, which exits the engine through the exhaust manifold.

Exhaust System

The exhaust, which includes carbon monoxide, nitrous carbon dioxide, water vapor and unburned gasoline are processed by the catalytic converter, which changes the gasoline to more carbon dioxide and water and directs them into the muffler.

Other Facts

In hot weather, the water vapor is less likely to condense and drain, but in cold weather, water vapor will do exactly that and drip from the tailpipe. Over time, water in the exhaust system can cause corrosion.

Detecting a leak in your exhaust is a good way to save yourself from getting sold parts and services you do not need at a shop. By diagnosing the exhaust leak yourself, you will know exactly which parts need replaced or repaired. Performing an exhaust leak check takes about 20 minutes if you have never performed this type of work before.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the vehicle as high as possible. Place two jack stands underneath the front control arms or suspension arms to support the front end in the air.

2

Start the vehicle.

3

Position yourself underneath the vehicle at the front. Have a friend plug the tailpipe of the vehicle with a balled up towel or rag. Listen for a hiss or sputtering noise. Pinpoint where the noise is coming from exactly, and you have located your exhaust leak.

4

Mark the location of the leak down so that you know exactly what part or parts will need to be replaced or repaired.