How to Open Your Car's Hood When The Interior Release Is Not Functioning Correctly

On occasion the interior release for your car's hood will not do its job. Simultaneously banging on the hood and pulling at the release lever is awkward and not very effective. Before performing the inevitable maintenance on the sticky cable or hood latch, there is an effective way of getting that hood open single-handedly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A short handled shovel, or any suitable lever-like object possessing an end thin enough to fit in the crack beneath the front of car's hood.
• A plastic bag.
• A brick, or any suitable weighty object.

1. Place a plastic bag over the business end of the shovel. This is to protect the car's finish. Insert the shovel in the crack beneath the front of the hood. If the shovel is long enough, there may be no additional preparation necessary, and pulling the interior release lever will pop the hood. If you're using a shorter or lighter shovel or other lever, go to step 2.

2. In the case of a short handled spade, just place a brick or other weighty object on the handle. Pull the interior hood lever and presto! The hood should pop up as normal.

3. If at first you don't succeed, use a longer lever, or more weight. Personally, I have found a regular shovel to be effective all by itself. I suggest the shorter, handled variety along with a brick for ease of transport.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the shape of your car's nose, you may wish to use a blanket or towel to protect the bumper's finish. No matter what you use as a lever, cover the insertable end with a plastic bag. This will keep the paint at the front edge of the hood from chipping.