Your Kia Sportage is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a reliable companion that takes you on journeys far and wide. To keep this trusty vehicle running smoothly, you’ll need to perform routine maintenance and inspections under the hood.
However, before you can dive into the engine bay, you must first unlock the gateway – the hood. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of safely opening the hood of your Kia Sportage.
Opening the hood
Opening the hood of your Kia Sportage is a straightforward process that allows you to access the engine compartment for maintenance or inspection. Follow these steps to safely open the hood of your Kia Sportage:
1. Prepare Your Vehicle:
Make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface.
Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Locate the Hood Release Lever:
The hood release lever is located inside the vehicle, on the driver’s side. It’s found beneath the dashboard, near the footwell. Sit in the driver’s seat and reach down to the area beneath the dashboard. You may need to crouch or kneel to see and access the lever.
3. Pull the Hood Release Lever:
Grasp the hood release lever and pull it firmly towards you. This action will release the hood’s primary latch.
4. Exit the Vehicle:
Exit the vehicle and walk to the front of your Kia Sportage.
5. Release the Hood Secondary Latch:
The hood of the Kia Sportage is secured by a secondary latch to prevent it from accidentally opening while driving. The secondary latch is located under the front edge of the hood, near the center. Push the secondary latch handle upwards. This will disengage the secondary latch, allowing you to lift the hood.
6. Lift the Hood:
After releasing the secondary latch, use your other hand to lift the hood gently. Take out the support rod and place it on the hood.
7. Secure the Hood:
Carefully check that the hood is securely open and won’t fall unexpectedly. It should be held in place by the support rod.
Video Demonstration
You’ve successfully opened the hood of your Kia Sportage! You can now access the engine compartment for maintenance, inspections, or any other necessary tasks. Be cautious when working under the hood, and always ensure the hood is securely latched before driving. When you’re finished, simply lower the hood until it latches securely, and you’re ready to go.
