Final answer:
The hood release lever is the device used to open a vehicle's hood, located on the left side of the driver's compartment under the instrument panel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device in a vehicle typically located on the left side of the driver's compartment under the instrument panel that assists in opening the hood is known as the hood release lever. This mechanical component is distinct from other car controls like the window control, cruise control button, or gear shifter. It's usually inconspicuous compared to other more frequently used controls such as the steering wheel, interior steering wheel, radio volume knob, or the center console.
To open a vehicle's hood, the driver must typically pull the hood release lever, which releases a latch holding the hood closed. Once the lever has been pulled, the driver would then need to go to the front of the vehicle, locate the secondary safety latch or hood release catch under the hood's edge, and release it to fully open the hood. This allows access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repairs.