yah tow hook cover.

 

 

But why is the tow hook on the front only on one side instead of the center?

 

Without a ton of detail:
1. no license plate (states and globally)
2. very likely a much stronger location
3. offset means someone is less likely to attempt to lift the car straight up

 

manufacturing reasons mainly and to meet crash management safety regulations.

 

I remember this was the first question I had when I first got my GK.

 

it's a tiny door for gnomes, it only opens if you have a wee key

.. no everyone else got it right.

i googled it and it's because modern cars do NOT have a strong widthwise metal piece, this is to ensure that everything that runs in that direction enables a "crush zone". Instead there are what in olden days might be called frame rails, and the hook is on that. I don't believe they're primarily used for towing, though; I thought it was to cinch them down during boat travel. otherwise if the cars roll about, well obviously that's bad for the cars but i kid you not the huge boat can tip over.

 

They sure can:
https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...-at-sea-page-2