Little-known car feature that might save you in an emergency
Almost every car has bumper covers, but most people would prefer to avoid using them unless someone needs our help.
Jul 12, 2024 | updated: 10:01 AM EDT, September 30, 2024
On the front and rear bumpers, you can find a small cover that is usually round or square, depending on the vehicle model. Beneath it is a thread for a towing eye, which is part of the factory tool kit. This allows for the safe attachment of a tow strap or rope to pull the car onto a tow truck.
To access the thread, insert a flathead screwdriver or the tip of your car key into the notch and gently pry open the cover. It is usually secured with a plastic strip to prevent getting lost. Be sure to tighten the towing eye securely after screwing it in.
The size of the towing eyes may vary depending on the vehicle's construction, as the thread is located in the beam. Some manufacturers opt instead to integrate them with the beam and place them in a visible spot.
While this may be obvious to car enthusiasts, people who use vehicles solely for transportation may not be aware of it. Even though the car manual contains this information, it is useful to know where and what to look for before going through the “book.”
