That small metal catch on your car door does much more than latch the door. Used smartly, it can boost convenience, secure cargo, and even enhance your vehicle’s safety.

Have you ever wondered what the small metal hook on your car door is actually for? Most people believe it is only there to secure the door when you close it, but this inconspicuous component has a variety of applications that can make your life easier and improve the security of your vehicle.

If you’ve ever tried to put a load onto your car’s roof or struggled to reach something on top of the vehicle, the hook could be a valuable aid in fixing these issues. Below, I’ll show you three unexpected uses for this handy hook that you may not have realized.

3 Unexpected Uses for Car Door Hooks

1. Provides support for a portable ladder.

One of the hook’s most useful use is as an anchor point for a small portable ladder or folding step.

• There are accessories specifically designed to connect onto this place, forming a strong platform that allows you to easily access the car’s roof.
• This is great for loading and unloading luggage from the roof rack, cleaning the roof, and adding accessories like luggage racks or roof boxes.
• The step attaches securely to the hook and supports a person’s weight, making it simpler to reach higher regions of the car.

2. As an anchor point for safety equipment.

The hook can also serve as an attachment point for safety devices, such as those used to convey things or secure luggage.

• You can use cargo netting, ropes, or straps to keep objects from shifting while driving.
• Some manufacturers designed this hook to be used as an anchor for infant seats or other safety systems.

If you’re hauling bikes or sports equipment, use the hook to secure the racks and keep them from slipping or damaging the car.

3. Reinforce the closure and improve safety in the event of an accident.

Although its primary function is to keep the door closed, the hook also contributes significantly to the vehicle’s structural safety.

• In the case of a side or frontal hit, the hook reinforces the door closure and prevents it from opening unexpectedly.
• This protects occupants by preventing the door from becoming removed or the vehicle’s structure from deforming.
• It also increases vehicle stability in the case of a collision by more evenly spreading the force of impact.