How to Open the Tow Hook Cover?
4 Answers
Many sedans have the tow hook location designed under the bumper, covered by a round or square cap. If it doesn't open when pressed, it may be due to long-term disuse and tightness. In this case, use a tool—find a small stick with a diameter smaller than the tow hook cover, wrap it with cloth to prevent damaging the car's paint. After prying it open, pull the tow hook cover outward to reveal the tow hook mounting position. Remember to carefully reattach the cover after removing the tow hook post-towing.
Last time my car got stuck in the mud and needed towing, it took me forever to figure out how to open the towing eye cover. This cover is usually hidden in the middle of the front or rear bumper, embedded like a small square piece. For my Japanese car, you just press it upward with your palm and it pops open, but my friend's Volkswagen requires using a key to pry it open from a small notch underneath. The key is finding the right spot - some cars have it right below the emblem, hybrid models might position it on the side. If you can't locate it, crouch down and feel along the bumper for an indented square. After opening, remember to store the plastic cover in the glove box - last time I casually left it on the hood and almost lost it when driving off. There's a small tether rope attached behind the cover - be careful not to snap it or you won't be able to reinstall it properly.
Our auto repair shop often encounters car owners who don't know how to open the towing eye cover. Most covers use a simple snap-fit design - just locate the plastic square with a gap on the bumper, hook the edge with your fingernail and pull upward. German cars tend to have tighter fits; it's better to gently pry with a car key inserted into the gap. If the cover won't budge, the snap-fit was likely misaligned during last repair - don't force it or you'll break the tabs. Instead, use a suction cup to pull vertically on the flat surface. Note that plastic becomes brittle in winter; warm the area with a hair dryer for 30 seconds before attempting in cold weather. After opening, clean any sand or debris from the threaded hole before screwing in the towing hook to prevent thread damage.
My first time opening the towing eye cover was a comedy of errors: I spent half an hour slapping and prying the bumper before realizing the cover was at the very bottom of the front end. Locations vary wildly between models - my neighbor's SUV has it beside the left fog light, while my sedan's is right below the license plate frame. The easiest method is to run your fingers along the bumper until you find a flexible square area. Most cars just need a gentle press on the top edge to pop open, though some American models require pinching a protrusion and rotating it 90 degrees. Watch out for sharp edges, especially on rusty older vehicles. There's a plastic tether on the back of the cover - never cut this anti-loss feature.
