
First, pull the engine release handle located on the left side of the driver's seat. Once you hear a "click" sound, move to the front of the car. Below the center of the hood, there is a latch with a lock pin. Flip the lock pin and lift the hood to open it. Below is an introduction to the functions of the engine hood: 1. Airflow guidance. For objects moving at high speed in the air, the air resistance and turbulence caused by airflow around the object can affect both its trajectory and speed. The shape of the engine hood can effectively adjust the direction of airflow relative to the car's movement and reduce the resistance force, minimizing the impact of airflow on the vehicle. 2. Protection for the engine and surrounding components. Under the engine hood lie critical components of the car, including the engine, electrical circuits, fuel lines, braking system, and transmission system, among others. 3. Aesthetics. The design of a vehicle's appearance is a direct reflection of its value. The engine hood, as a crucial part of the overall exterior, plays a significant role. 4. Assisting driving visibility. During driving, the driver's accurate judgment of the road and conditions ahead heavily relies on the reflection of natural light and the forward visibility. 5. Accident prevention. The engine operates in a high-temperature, high-pressure, and flammable environment, where overheating or unexpected component failure can lead to explosions, fires, or leaks. The engine hood effectively blocks potential harm from such explosions, acting as a protective shield. 6. Special-purpose platform. In special-purpose vehicles, the high-strength engine hood can serve as a work platform, providing support.

Last time I helped a friend operate the Mazda3's engine hood. From the driver's seat, first look down near your left foot for a handle marked with an engine symbol - give it a firm pull until you hear a 'click'. This will pop the hood open slightly. Then walk to the front of the car, reach into the center gap where you'll feel a small latch. Push it to the left while simultaneously lifting the entire hood upwards. Use both hands for this - single-handed operation risks slipping. Once raised, you'll see a silver support rod on the left side; just slot it into the designated hole on the hood. Remember to do this when the engine is cold for safety, especially in summer when components can be scalding hot. Oh, and when closing, don't slam it down - lower it gently until fully down, then apply firm pressure to engage the lock.

I've got experience opening the hood of an Axela. Look for the plastic pull ring at the lower left corner of the driver's seat - give it a firm tug until you hear a 'pop' sound. Then walk to the front of the car, reach into the middle gap where you'll feel a crescent-shaped latch. Push it toward the driver's side while lifting the hood. A common mistake new owners make is trying to lift the hood without pressing the safety latch first - that definitely won't work. Make sure the support rod is securely engaged, otherwise the hood might suddenly drop and hurt your hands. By the way, if the cable breaks or the latch wears out, replacing the part at a 4S shop only costs around a hundred yuan.

Opening the hood is simple and can be done in two steps. First, pull the release lever under the steering wheel inside the car—remember to bend down to see it clearly. After exiting the vehicle, reach above the grille to locate the latch, push it sideways while lifting the hood. A key reminder: wear gloves in winter as the metal latch can be freezing cold. Once the support rod is secured, take a moment to check the headlights since you've got the hood open—it's a good opportunity to inspect their cleanliness. The whole process takes just a minute, and even women can handle it effortlessly.


