The basic steps to open your bonnet from inside the car

To open your bonnet, pull the bonnet release lever located on the left side of the dashboard, beneath the steering wheel. This lever is usually marked with a bonnet or engine symbol. Pull it toward you with moderate force — it should click and the bonnet will pop up slightly.

Once you hear the click, get out of the car and walk to the front. You will see the bonnet is now slightly raised. Place your hand under the bonnet's front edge and lift it fully open. Some bonnets have a hydraulic strut or prop rod that holds it open; if yours does, it will stay up on its own. If not, you may need to prop it with a stick or rod to keep it open while you work.

To close the bonnet, lower it gently until it is about 12 inches from fully closed, then let it drop the rest of the way. It should latch with a solid click. Do not slam it down — the latch will engage on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • The bonnet release lever is inside the car on the left side of the dashboard, marked with an engine or bonnet symbol.
  • Pull the lever toward you until you hear a click, then go to the front of the car and lift the bonnet by hand.
  • If your bonnet has a prop rod or strut, it will hold itself open; if not, you will need to support it manually or with an object.
  • Close the bonnet by lowering it gently until the latch engages — do not force it down.

Where the release lever is located on different car models

Most cars have the bonnet release lever on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel. However, the exact position varies. On some older vehicles, the lever may be mounted on the floor to the left of the pedals. On a few models, it is positioned on the right side of the dashboard instead.

If you cannot find the lever in the usual places, check your vehicle's owner manual — it will show you the exact location for your make and model. The manual also tells you whether your bonnet has a safety catch that requires a second step after pulling the lever.

Some luxury and newer vehicles use an electronic bonnet release button instead of a mechanical lever. These buttons are usually located on the dashboard near other controls and are marked with the same bonnet symbol. Press the button once and the bonnet will pop open automatically.

What to do if the bonnet release lever is stuck or broken

If the lever does not click or the bonnet does not pop up, the cable connecting the lever to the latch may be broken or disconnected. Do not force the lever — you may damage it further.

Your options are to have a mechanic inspect and repair the cable, or to access the bonnet from underneath the car. To do this, you will need to get under the front of the vehicle safely using a jack and jack stands. Locate the bonnet latch mechanism and manually release it by hand or with a tool. This is not a task for someone unfamiliar with vehicle safety, so it is better to call a mechanic or roadside information if the lever is truly stuck.

If you are locked out of the car entirely, roadside information services can often open the door and then help you access the bonnet release lever from inside.

Safety steps before you open the bonnet

Always turn off the engine and wait a few minutes before opening the bonnet. The engine and its components get very hot during operation, and touching them when ready after driving can cause serious burns.

Make sure the car is parked on level ground and the parking brake is engaged. If you are working on a road or in a parking lot, turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. Never open the bonnet while the engine is running unless you are checking fluid levels or performing a very quick inspection.

Wear eye protection if you are going to be looking at the engine or working underneath the bonnet. Debris or old oil can fall into your eyes. If you are unfamiliar with what you are looking at, take a photo with your phone and show it to a mechanic rather than guessing at what needs attention.

Common reasons to open the bonnet

The most frequent reasons are to check or top up fluids: engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid, and brake fluid. These checks take only a minute and can prevent damage to your engine. Your owner manual shows you where each reservoir is located and what the correct fluid level looks like.

You may also need to open the bonnet to replace the air filter, check the battery, or locate the fuse box. Some fuse boxes are under the bonnet rather than inside the cabin. If your car will not start or a warning light has come on, opening the bonnet lets you see whether there is an obvious problem like a loose battery cable or a blown fuse.

In an emergency, you might need to open the bonnet to access the engine compartment if there is a fire or to locate the manual bonnet release if the electrical system has failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the bonnet release lever?

Check your owner manual first — it shows the exact location for your vehicle. If you do not have the manual, search online for your car's make, model, and year plus "bonnet release location". You can also ask a mechanic or visit a dealership for your brand.

Is it safe to drive with the bonnet slightly open?

No. A partially open bonnet can fly up while you are driving and block your view, or it can damage the bonnet itself. Always make sure the bonnet is fully latched before you drive. If it pops open while driving, pull over safely and close it properly.

Why does my bonnet not stay open on its own?

Your car may not have a hydraulic strut or prop rod, or the existing one may be worn out and no longer holds pressure. You can buy a replacement strut at a parts shop, or straightforward prop the bonnet open with a stick or rod while you work. Some people use a length of wood or a dedicated bonnet prop.

Can I open the bonnet if the car is locked?

No, the bonnet release lever is inside the car. You will need to unlock the doors first. If you are locked out entirely, call roadside information or a locksmith to open the car, then you can access the bonnet release.

What should I do if something is smoking under the bonnet?

Turn off the engine when ready and move the car away from buildings or other vehicles if it is safe to do so. Do not open the bonnet — smoke often means a fire is starting. Call emergency services and let the fire service handle it. Opening the bonnet can make a fire worse by giving it more oxygen.