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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 1 decade ago

Fluid Leaking from Tail Pipe?

My fiance bought a car this morning (used), and as I was putting plates on it, I realized a clear fluid was leaking from the tail pipe. The car was on (heating up as it is winter) at the time, but it did not look like it had been leaking before that. My mechanic took a look at it a few days ago (before the purchase) and could find nothing wrong but a few superficial dents. It was raining at the time he checked the exhaust however, so he may not have realized if fluid was leaking. Any ideas of what the fluid might be/what the problem might be?

Update:

I looked at a few automotive sites which better explained the combustion/fluid process to me. I can't believe I've never noticed it before...but how often are you looking at your tailpipe after turning on the car? Thanks for the help guys.

13 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Water (in the form of steam) is one of the by-products of combustion.

    If there is just a small amount of water, it's simply cooling enough (especially in the morning) so when it gets to the end of the tail pipe it's coming out as water.

    Small amount, nothing to worry about.

  • 1 decade ago

    Might not be a problem at all with the tail pipe, but maybe with the mechanic.

    Tail pipes built up condensation (like an iced tea glass) especially in the winter months and when using the air conditioner during the summer months.

    Next time, rub the fluid in between your fingers, it should feel more like a water and there probably isn't much of a smell to the liquid, either. Might look dirty!

    By the way, is your car running okay?

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    Exhaust Pipe Leak

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    Fluid Leaking from Tail Pipe?

    My fiance bought a car this morning (used), and as I was putting plates on it, I realized a clear fluid was leaking from the tail pipe. The car was on (heating up as it is winter) at the time, but it did not look like it had been leaking before that. My mechanic took a look at it a few days ago...

    Source(s): fluid leaking tail pipe: https://biturl.im/RViK7
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  • DR_NC
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    What you see is water that has condensed from moisture in the exhaust system. This is one reason driving short trips can be harmful to a car - the exhaust ever gets hot enough to burn off all the moisture. At any rate, you have nothing to worry about. The fact that it was raining adds more credence to the moisture inside the tail pipe theory. Keep your oil and water checked and don't worry. Enjoy your car.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avnMq

    Well to be honest it's normal moisture every car does it. Basically the burned fuel and the heat of the exhaust makes moisture witch comes out the tail pipe there is supposed to be a very small hole drilled in your muffler that helps with this I wouldn't worry to much about it.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    To be safe, talk to a mechanic.

    I live in a humid area and sometimes condensation builds up. If I didn't get it out on the road and blow it out, the condensation would make the tail pipe rust.

  • 1 decade ago

    This is normal. All cars drip condensation out of the tail pipe...to some extent.

  • 1 decade ago

    On a cold morning. The moisture in the air is condensing on the warming pipe. And it runs out harmlessly.

  • Mooky
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    It's plain water coming out of the tailpipe and is quite normal. No need to worry.

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