Hi all!

Okay, the weatherperson said it's going to rain sometimes soon. Time to to put my baby under the canopy. I discovered by accident that the two vents located between the hood and windshield may be clogged. I discovered this after a car wash when my passenger-side footwell got a little moist, and then my connection between wet floor and car wash was confirmed everytime it rained. Another car wash finally confirmed it. Now everytime it rains I cover the vents with Saran wrap when the canopy spot is occupied by another car. I've tried sticking a coat hanger into the small oval-shaped holes under the car. Dirt, leaves, and other debris came out. But I don't know how much good cleaning the vents has done. My car is due for another car wash, and I plan to duct tape the vents to seal off any water. What purpose do these vents have? Do they help cool the engine in anyway? can I stick a coat hanger from the vent side rather than from the tiny drainage holes? The water in the foot well is not much, it just gets moist, so it's not like a puddle. And it only affects the passenger side. BTW, it's not coolant because I removed the footwell panel to check for any leaks or moisture inside the center dash. It was dry.