What the Small Panel on Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

Why Knowing Your Tow Eye Locations Matters

Benefit Why It’s Important
Safety Prevents damage to your vehicle during towing
Speed Saves time in an emergency
Proper towing Ensures the tow is secure and stable
Avoids miscommunication You can show a tow truck driver exactly where to attach

When you are trying to tow a car to a safe location, the last thing you want to do is damage the vehicle further.


What to Do Before a Tow

Step Action
1 Locate your tow eyes – Check both the front and rear bumpers
2 Check your owner’s manual – It will show you exactly where the tow eye is and how to access it
3 Find your tow hook – Most cars come with a screw-in tow hook stored in the trunk with the spare tire or tool kit
4 Read the towing instructions – Your manual will specify if there are any special precautions

When to Call a Professional

Make sure you know what you are doing before attempting a tow, and contact a professional towing service if you feel at all out of your depth.

Do Don’t
Locate your tow eyes before you need them Assume a tow truck driver will know where to attach
Read your owner’s manual for specific instructions Attach a tow rope to any part of the bumper
Use the screw-in tow hook provided with your car Attempt a tow without the proper equipment
Call a professional if you are unsure Risk damaging your vehicle by guessing

Quick Reference: Tow Eye Locations

Vehicle Type Front Bumper Rear Bumper
Most sedans and hatchbacks Yes (under cover) Yes (under cover)
SUVs and crossovers Yes (under cover) Yes (under cover)
Trucks Usually visible hooks Usually visible hooks