Skip To Content

Best Auto Repair, Syracuse

416 E Brighton Ave Syracuse, NY 13210

315-478-2161
Opening Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
CONTACT US

Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)

Posted October 18, 2020 11:44 AM

The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid.  But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. 

Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process.  You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashboard to the left of the steering column) and listen for the hood to pop up slightly. (It doesn't open all the way because it has a safety latch to prevent you from accidentally opening it up while you're driving.) Then, you get out and find the latch, usually through the grille near the hood.  There's a little handle on it which you push, slide or pull (there are a few different types) at which point the hood can be opened up all the way. 

But in this driver's case, the hood would not release at all when he pulled the handle inside.  Not knowing what to do, he called his service advisor, who told him to bring it over.  The reason? A hood with a broken latch could be a safety hazard since it is possible it's not securely closed. And in this condition, it's possible for the hood to suddenly release while you are driving, obscuring your view of the road. 

Latch issues can be caused by many things, perhaps a broken cable between the hood release and the latch.  It's possible that cable just detached or frayed after being opened so many times.  If a hood release cable isn't kept lubricated, it can corrode and just lock up.

In this driver's case, the cable had corroded and broken, so it had to be replaced.  Unfortunately, many times you won't know you have a problem with your hood latch until one time you pull it and it breaks without warning.  When your vehicle is in for routine maintenance like an oil change, a technician will often keep an eye out for signs that your hood latch needs attention so you don't get "locked" out of your engine compartment.

S T Foreign Auto Service
415 E Brighton Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-478-2161
http://www.stforeignauto.com



Search



Archive

March 2017 (18)
April 2017 (5)
May 2017 (4)
June 2017 (4)
July 2017 (5)
August 2017 (3)
September 2017 (3)
October 2017 (5)
November 2017 (4)
December 2017 (2)
January 2018 (5)
February 2018 (4)
March 2018 (4)
April 2018 (5)
May 2018 (4)
June 2018 (4)
July 2018 (5)
August 2018 (4)
September 2018 (5)
October 2018 (4)
November 2018 (4)
December 2018 (5)
January 2019 (5)
February 2019 (4)
March 2019 (5)
April 2019 (4)
May 2019 (4)
June 2019 (5)
July 2019 (4)
August 2019 (4)
September 2019 (5)
October 2019 (4)
November 2019 (4)
December 2019 (5)
January 2020 (5)
February 2020 (4)
March 2020 (5)
April 2020 (4)
May 2020 (5)
June 2020 (4)
July 2020 (4)
August 2020 (5)
September 2020 (4)
October 2020 (4)
November 2020 (5)
December 2020 (4)
January 2021 (6)
February 2021 (4)
March 2021 (4)
April 2021 (4)
May 2021 (5)
June 2021 (4)
July 2021 (4)
August 2021 (5)
September 2021 (4)
October 2021 (5)
November 2021 (4)
December 2021 (4)
January 2022 (6)
February 2022 (4)
March 2022 (4)
April 2022 (4)
May 2022 (5)
June 2022 (4)
July 2022 (5)
August 2022 (4)
September 2022 (4)
October 2022 (5)
November 2022 (4)
December 2022 (4)
January 2023 (5)
February 2023 (4)
March 2023 (4)
April 2023 (5)
May 2023 (4)
June 2023 (4)
July 2023 (5)
August 2023 (4)
September 2023 (4)
October 2023 (5)
November 2023 (4)
December 2023 (5)
January 2024 (5)
February 2024 (4)
March 2024 (4)

Categories

Air Conditioning (10)Alignment (10)Alternator (4)Auto Safety (6)Automotive News (6)Battery (11)Brakes (11)Cabin Air Filter (6)Check Engine Light (2)Cooling System (12)Customer Detective Work (1)Dashboard (2)Diagnostics (4)Diesel Maintenance (1)Differential Service (3)Drive Train (6)Emergency Items (1)Engine Air Filter (2)Exhaust (8)Fluids (12)Fuel Economy (7)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (2)Fuel System (32)Headlamps (3)Inspection (4)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (4)Maintenance (43)Monitoring System (2)Oil Change (1)Older Vehicles (4)Parts (7)PCV Valve (1)Safe Driving (1)Safety (6)Serpentine Belt (6)Service Intervals (8)Service Standards (7)Shocks & Struts (5)Spark Plugs (1)Steering (8)Suspension (3)Timing Belt (5)Tire Rotation and Balancing (1)Tires (6)Tires and Wheels (33)Transmission (7)Trip Inspection (2)What Customers Should Know (42)Windshield Wipers (6)Winter Prep (5)Winter Tires (1)
  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
  • ASE Master Technician
  • Car Care Aware

Testimonials

Knowledgeable techs that pay attention to detail at a very convenient location.
view all reviews
TAP TO CALL NOW 315-478-2161 X