The plastic panel at the front of the car has never been taken out. That’s because it’s protecting what’s called a tow hook. Without it, having your car towed would be more hazardous and less secure. Here’s how tow hooks work and why it’s essential for car owners to be aware of them.
How Tow Eyes Work
If you own a heavy-duty vehicle, it’s likely that your front grille has a large metal hook to tow a strap. However, smaller cars wouldn’t be able to fit a large hook just hanging off their front bumper.
That’s where the tow eye comes in. Just pop off the little plastic cap and you’ll find a small grooved slot. By screwing a tow hook into that slot, you get a rock-solid point to pull from and tow the car. Trying to attach a tow cable to any other part of your bumper is a recipe for disaster and could cause major damage to your vehicle.
Are there two eyes on the back bumper?
But what if your car is stuck in a place where you can’t even get to the front? Good news: there’s usually at least one or two tow hooks on the back of the car as well. Next time you get into your car, take a moment to find all of the tow hooks. Knowing exactly where they are could be a big help if you find yourself in a stressful situation where you need a tow. When you’re trying to tow a car to a safe location, the last thing you want to do is damage it further. Make sure you know what you’re doing before attempting a tow, and call a professional tow service if you feel completely unsure.
