Opening your car's front hood is a straightforward process that typically involves two steps: releasing the interior latch and then disengaging the secondary safety catch under the hood itself. The most common method is to pull a lever located inside the passenger cabin, usually beneath the dashboard on the driver's side or to the side of the driver's footwell. Once you hear the hood pop, you'll need to go to the front of the car, slide your hand under the slightly raised hood to feel for a secondary release lever, often in the center, and push or lift it to fully open the hood.
The exact location of the interior release lever can vary significantly between car models. In most sedans and SUVs, you'll find it on the lower left side near the door. In some vehicles, particularly certain European brands, it might be located closer to the center console or even in the glove compartment. If you cannot find it, your owner's manual is the most reliable resource, as it will have a diagram specific to your vehicle.
After releasing the interior latch, the hood will pop up a few inches but remain secured by the safety catch. This is a crucial feature designed to prevent the hood from flying open while driving. Walk to the front of the car and locate the release mechanism under the center of the hood. You often need to feel for a small lever or button. You may need to push it to the side or lift it up while simultaneously raising the hood. Most hoods are supported by a prop rod, which you must lift out of its clip and place into the designated slot on the underside of the hood to hold it securely open.
For reference, here is a summary of common release lever locations across different vehicle types:
| Vehicle Type | Common Interior Latch Location | Safety Catch Type |
|---|
| Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry) | Lower left kick panel near door | Center-lever, push to the side |
| SUV (e.g., Ford Explorer) | Footwell, left of the brake pedal | Center-latch, lift up |
| Sports Car (e.g., Chevrolet Corvette) | Often located in the passenger footwell | Button-release, push inward |
| Luxury Vehicle (e.g., Mercedes-Benz) | Sometimes within the glove box | Lever, pull downward |
| Electric Vehicle (e.g., Tesla Model 3) | Accessed via the central touchscreen | Manual release may be behind frunk badge |
Always ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, the parking brake is engaged, and the engine is cool before attempting to open the hood. If you encounter significant resistance, do not force it, as you may have missed the secondary latch.
