Quick Fix for Loose Tow-Hook Cover

The tape could be applied to the hooks on the cover instead...

Probably doesn't require the use of the socket wrench too.

 

hah - this was driving me nuts too. So couldn't i just pry it off and then apply the tape versus removing the lower access panel?

 

I'm not sure: what happens between steps 5 and 6?

 

Reinstall the tow hook cover.

 

You can use an old credit card or similar to gently pry the cover off. Might want to place a piece of paper into the crack to protect the paint when you pry against the bumper cover.

 

Oh I see: the fix happens in step 4. Got it.

 

Most are designed to fit loosely so you don't damage it pulling it off. Now when you actually need to access it in a emergency it will be tight amd you could damage the paint prying it off

 

Ours (3rd gen) is tight as hell. I pried one off once just to see: thought I was going to damage paint.

 

I found it quite hard to carefully pry ours off. I managed but I wouldn't do it again. Seems like something that rarely if ever gets used in practice. And the first thing that came to mind was a tow truck operator, at night, in rain or snow: it will get chewed up.

 

I use it all the time for tying the bow of a kayak being carried on a roof rack. My 2012 had a nice tie point under the rear bumper, I will have to get a second tow loop for the back of the Prime.

 

Good advice. However, I have a 2016 Gen 4 on which the covers appear to be somewhat different. There are two little ratchet snaps on either other side of the cover. I think that putting the duct tape on as you suggested on your Prime wouldn't work in my case. When I get the replacement cover, I may try using duct tape, but using it a bit differently than you suggested...

I was having a problem with the carwash blower popping the covers off with the air blast from the drier. The engineer at the carwash said the blowers can supply air at up to 500 MPH, but theirs was 'gentled' down to about 300. - The pressure from the blowers gets into the engine compartment off the floor and the backpressure can frequently pop the covers out. (Didn't have this problem with my '05 Gen 2...)

They said they'd be willing to put some of that green painter's tape over the covers to protect them during the wash.

Toyota said this wasn't an uncommon problem with all cars these days, and the green tape method is used very commonly.

Frankly, I would prefer going back to the 'old' days where there were a bunch of guys with towels who did a much better drying job. Easily worth the added tip...

 

Thanks for the tips. I’ve already lost two tow caps on my 2021 Prius Prime which I’ve had for about 8 months. Both times it was from hitting a piece of shredded tire bouncing across the road. The caps are expensive to replace (buy the black plastic part which then has to be painted). I am looking for a way to secure the cap to the car more tightly. Will the duct tape idea work on the 2021 model?

 

I'd be inclined to put a daub of silicon sealant on the covers locking tabs. Even if it's effective enough to make them near impossible to remove. The odds of needing the tow lugs are astronomically low.

 

Mendel,
Thanks for that advice. I was thinking the same thing but then began to waffle about my decision wondering “what if?” my car needed to be towed. I’ve been around a while and have never had to have my car towed and if i did, the tow caps would probably be the least of my problems.
Thanks for your advice.