how to lift the hood of a car

Popping the hood is the first step to so many essential car tasks, from checking your oil to jump-starting a battery. Yet, if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel a bit mysterious. It’s a simple skill that brings a wonderful sense of self-reliance. Knowing how to lift the hood of a car is your gateway to basic maintenance and understanding the machine you drive every day.

The First Step: Releasing the Hood Latch

Before you can lift anything, you need to release the primary latch. This lever is almost always located inside the car’s cabin, typically on the lower left side of the dashboard near the driver’s door. It often has a small icon of a car with an open hood. Give it a firm pull. You should hear a distinct pop sound, which means the hood is now unlatched from its primary catch.

A Practical Guide on How to Lift the Hood of a Car

Now, walk to the front of your vehicle. You’ll notice the hood is slightly ajar. Slide your fingers into the gap at the front center of the hood. Here, you’ll find the secondary safety latch. This is a crucial feature that prevents the hood from flying open while you’re driving. It’s usually a small lever or button that you need to push to the side or squeeze. While holding this latch open, you can now lift the hood fully.

Securing the Hood with Its Prop Rod

Your hood is heavy, and it won’t stay up on its own. Most cars use a metal prop rod to hold it in place. As you lift the hood, you’ll see this rod clipped to the underside. Carefully unclip it and insert the hooked end into the designated slot on the underside of the hood. You should hear it click into place. Give the hood a gentle test to ensure it’s securely held by the rod before you let go completely. Some newer vehicles use gas struts instead, which will hold the hood up automatically once you lift it a few inches.

Important Safety Tips to Remember

Always make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface with the engine turned off and the parking brake engaged. Be mindful that engine components can stay very hot for a long time after driving, so avoid touching anything metal right away. When you’re finished, it’s just as important to close the hood correctly. Lift it slightly to release the prop rod, return the rod to its holding clip, and then lower the hood down. Let it drop from about a foot high to latch securely—don’t just push it closed.

With this knowledge, you can confidently approach your car for a quick oil check or to top off your washer fluid. It’s a simple process that forms the foundation of being an engaged and capable car owner.