How to Close the Hood of the New Corolla?

[DePaige]

New Corolla hood closing method: Pull the hood down, place both hands on the front edge of the hood, corresponding to the positions of the headlights on both sides, and press down gently. You don't need to use too much force. When you hear a click, it means the hood is closed. Before closing the hood, make sure to return the support rod to its clip. Closing the hood while the support rod is extended may cause the hood to bend. Check and confirm that the hood is fully closed and locked. The Corolla is a brand under Toyota, with body dimensions of 4630mm in length, 1775mm in width, and 1480mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. The Corolla features a moderate and dignified exterior design, with no particularly outstanding highlights, making it well-suited for family use. The interior adopts a simple overall style, with a conventional dashboard design, spacious and comfortable seats, effective air conditioning, and good craftsmanship.

[LeChristopher]

I've driven several generations of Corollas before, and there's a proper way to close the hood. First, retract the support rod and secure it in the groove on the inner side of the hood, then gently lower the hood while supporting it with your hand. Never push it down directly with your hand, as that can easily deform the sheet metal! Release the hood when it's about a palm's width away from the latch, letting it fall naturally and lock in place with its own momentum. You'll hear a crisp 'click' when it's securely locked. If it's not properly closed, the dashboard will display a warning light indicating the hood is open. The hood on this generation Corolla is lighter than older models, but since it's made of aluminum alloy, extra care is needed to protect the paint. That's why I always support the edge of the hood with my palm when closing it. In winter, it's best to rub your hands together first to avoid slipping and accidentally chipping the paint.

[Annie]

Just helped my neighbor close the hood of her new Corolla last week, and it's actually super simple! First, remove that silver support rod from the engine bay—yes, the metal rod that slots into the small groove on the underside of the hood. After taking it out, don't let go immediately; gently lower the hood halfway, stopping about 20-30 cm from the fully closed position. Then simply release it and let gravity do the work with a satisfying 'thunk' to secure it. I once tried pressing it down by hand, but the latch didn't engage properly, and the dashboard warning light stayed on for ages. After closing, I recommend lightly lifting the edge to check—if it moves, it's not fully latched. This generation of Corolla has a freeze-resistant latch design, but in Northeast China's -20°C winters, you might still need to apply a bit more force.

[DelMelanie]

When I first got my new car, it took me a while to figure things out. To close the hood, first retract the support rod: press the plastic button at the end of the rod with your index finger, give it a gentle lift to unhook, then tuck the rod back into the rubber slot on the hood to secure it. Next, hold the hood with both hands and lower it slowly, being careful not to let the wind cause it to sway and hit your hands. Let go when it’s about knee height, allowing it to drop heavily and lock into place. Once, I tried closing it by pushing with my shoulder, but the latch misaligned and left a scratch. Now, every time after maintenance, the mechanic tells me to stand back when closing the hood, saying the airbag sensors are nearby and slamming it shut might accidentally trigger them. After the rainy season, it’s best to check the drainage channels—blocked leaves can cause the latch to rust.