Is It Normal to Feel Hot Air Under the Driver's Feet?
2 Answers
It is normal to feel hot air under the driver's feet. The reasons for the heat under the driver's feet include: 1. Heat from the engine compartment entering the cabin; 2. Poor insulation design in the cabin or the vehicle being old; 3. The car is in external circulation mode with the airflow directed towards the feet. If both the driver and front passenger seats experience high temperatures underfoot, it can be determined that the vehicle is a cab-over-engine (COE) design. This is because COE vehicles have the engine located beneath the driver and front passenger seats. COE vehicles, such as vans, lack a protruding front hood (unlike sedans). Examples include older models like the "Mianbao" vans. Due to significant safety hazards, such vehicles have long been discontinued in China and are gradually being phased out.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've witnessed numerous cases of heat rising from the footwell. This usually indicates leakage points underneath the vehicle, such as compromised firewall seals, damaged exhaust heat shields, or excessively large gaps in floor mats allowing engine heat to infiltrate. Under normal circumstances, the cabin should be completely isolated from heat sources – feeling cool is the correct condition. I recommend first lifting the driver's side floor mat to check for obvious holes or burnt odors. If present, this may involve exhaust gas intrusion risks that shouldn't be ignored. Visit a professional repair shop promptly, as summer driving could become unbearably stuffy, and prolonged exposure might lead to AC system overload or cabin air pollution. Remember to have technicians pay extra attention to footwell areas during routine maintenance for preventive measures.
