How to Open the Engine Protective Cover?
4 Answers
To open the engine protective cover, follow these steps: 1. First, open the car door, sit in the driver's seat, and locate the engine switch lever on the left side of the driver's seat. 2. Pull the engine lever by hand until you hear a 'click' sound. 3. Check if the car engine hood has been opened. If there is a noticeable gap, it indicates that the engine hood has been successfully opened. 4. Pull the safety latch. To fully open the hood, you must first pull the safety latch. 5. Prop up the front engine cover. Pull the support rod and secure its top hook into the engine hood. After ensuring the engine hood is properly supported, you can proceed with other operations on the engine.
Last time a friend asked about this, I've personally operated several models. The engine cover is usually made of plastic and can be opened directly by hand. First, locate the clip positions at the edge of the cover, then apply some force to pry it open. German cars often use rotating clips, which require turning clockwise half a turn before lifting. Many Japanese cars have pin-type clips, where you press the clips on both sides and lift simultaneously. Remember to ensure the engine is cool before operating to avoid burns. If the cover is particularly tight, don't force it—it might be secured with screws, requiring a 10mm socket to remove the corner screws. Pay extra attention if there are arrows on the cover indicating the opening direction. After opening, clean the dust from the slots before reinstalling to extend its lifespan.
I remember being a bit confused the first time I opened the engine cover. Actually, it's quite simple for most family cars: first, open the hood, then locate the raised handle on the edge of the cover. Press down on the middle section of the cover with your palm, and use your other hand to lift the front clip upwards until you hear a click sound. Korean cars usually have a triangular mark; push in the direction of the mark and then lift. The key is not to use excessive force, as the plastic clips can easily break. After opening, take a moment to check if there's any oil leakage from the pipes. Finally, when closing the cover, align it with the slots and press down until you hear a snap, indicating it's properly secured. Practice makes perfect—now I can do it with my eyes closed.
A mechanic taught me some tricks. The engine plastic cover is secured by clips. Find the corner with a larger gap, grip it with your hand and lift it up directly. Some models require removing the air filter box cover first. For metal guards, professional tools are needed—use a jack to lift the car and remove the bolts. When doing it yourself, prepare a plastic pry bar to prevent nail breakage. The engine model mark is on the back of the cover, which you can check while cleaning. Note that clips on American cars are particularly brittle, so support the bottom when removing. Wear gloves throughout the operation to prevent scratches.
