Ever wonder why there is a little square panel on your car’s bumper? Here is what you need to know about tow eyes and how they make towing cars much safer.
The Mystery of the Little Square Panel
Ever notice a little square panel on the front of your car and wonder what it is there for? If you have never had a car towed, there is a chance that the square plastic cover on your front bumper has never been removed.
That is because the plastic panel is hiding what is known as a tow eye. Without it, getting your car towed would be much riskier and less safe.
Here is how tow eyes work and why it is important for car owners to know about them.
How Tow Eyes Work
| Vehicle Type | Towing Feature |
|---|---|
| Trucks and heavy-duty vehicles | Large metal hooks (or two) on the front grille |
| Smaller cars | Tow eye hidden behind a plastic panel |
If you drive a truck or a similarly heavy-duty vehicle, there is a good chance your front grille has a large metal hook (or two) meant for attaching the truck to a tow strap. Smaller cars, though, cannot have large hooks just dangling from their front bumper.
That is where the tow eye comes in.
Step-by-Step: Using a Tow Eye
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pop off the little plastic cover on the front or rear bumper |
| 2 | You will find a small grooved slot underneath |
| 3 | Screw a tow hook into that slot |
| 4 | This creates a rock-solid point from which you can pull and tow the car |
Warning: Trying to attach a tow cable to any other part of your bumper is a recipe for disaster and could result in major damage to your vehicle.
Are There Tow Eyes on the Back Bumper?
But what if your car is stuck in a position where you cannot even access the front?
| Location | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Front bumper | Almost always has a tow eye cover |
| Rear bumper | Almost always has a tow eye cover as well |
Good news: There is almost always a tow eye or two on the back bumper as well. Next time you go to get into your car, take a second to locate all of your tow eyes. Knowing their exact locations could be a big help if—knock on wood—you find yourself in a stressful situation in need of a tow.
