Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Specialist Warns That Most Drivers Close The Car Hood Wrong, Causing Dents Unnoticed.
A simple action, which many drivers repeat every day, hides a common and silent mistake. Closing the car hood seems obvious, but most do it wrong, unaware that this can cause small damages to the bodywork.
The warning came from Boris Feldman, a specialist from the AutoPapo Channel, who explained the correct and safe way to perform the procedure.
The Error Begins With The Lack Of Instruction
The problem is not with the drivers, but with the lack of guidance. During driving school courses, no one teaches how to close the hood correctly. In repair shops, there are also no explanations about this.
-
The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
-
Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
-
Automatic cars become ‘cheap’ in Brazil, and models from Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, and Honda appear for R$ 65,000 with up to 120 hp, CVT transmission, 482 liters of trunk space, keyless entry, and six airbags to tackle traffic without a clutch.
-
Honda revives a classic from Brazilian streets with a new name, TFT panel, and reprogrammed engine in the 2027 lineup; see the first impressions of the CB500 Hornet, which arrives with 49.6 hp, 4.5 kgf.m torque, 6-speed gearbox, 175 kg, and Showa suspension on Brazilian streets.
The same happens at dealerships, both when delivering new and used vehicles. The consequence is simple: drivers follow their instincts, lower the hood carefully, and then press to lock it.
This practice, although it seems delicate, is exactly what should not be done. The front part of the hood, where many apply force to finish closing, is not reinforced.
It was not designed to withstand pressure. Since it does not undergo mechanical strain during use, this area is structurally weak. Forcing the closure there ends up creating small deformations that, over time, become visible.
Dents In The Bodywork Reveal The Wrong Habit
Boris points out that this incorrect habit can be easily noticed. Just look at the front part of the hoods of various cars on the street. Many have discreet dents or irregular waves. These signs are usually the result of years of closing the hood incorrectly. The most curious thing is that this could be avoided with simple guidance at the time of purchase or vehicle maintenance.
The wrong practice is so widespread that it is common to see owners of new cars reproducing the same movement they learned on their own, unaware of the damage they might be causing. Even with all the care, the poorly distributed pressure ends up marking the metal.
The Correct Way To Close The Hood
Boris’s tip is clear and easy to apply. One should not push the hood all the way down. Instead, it is correct to release it from a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters from the latch.
From this height, the weight of the piece itself is enough to ensure complete closure. No manual pressure, no forcing anything. Simple as that.
Besides avoiding dents, this technique also preserves the alignment of the bodywork and keeps the car looking good for longer. And the best part: it works with practically all models from all brands.
A Small Gesture That Makes A Difference
It may seem like an insignificant detail, but the way to close the hood directly influences the preservation of the bodywork.
Knowing this avoids unpleasant surprises, like marks appearing for no apparent reason. It’s a simple, free care that starts with information.
From now on, attentive drivers know: do not force the hood, let it drop on its own.
Be the first to react!