A peculiar recommendation has been circulating among car drivers lately: putting a bottle on their tires after parking. Among the countless strange urban legends, this is undoubtedly the most unusual one. What could a plastic bottle possibly have to do with parking a car? Why would you want to jam a coke bottle into your tire? In this article, we will dig deeper into this topic to uncover the truth and more. Let’s dive in!
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The Myth of Using Plastic Bottles on Parked Cars
The truth is, this so-called tip never existed in the first place. It all started nearly two years ago in 2021 when an online advertisement featured a picture of plastic bottles on a parked car tire, accompanied by a bold caption that read, “Always Put Plastic Bottles on Your Tire When Parking Cars. Here Are the Reasons Why.” Another version even claimed, “Insert Plastic Bottles in Your Car Tires During Travel.” These stories spread across numerous websites alongside legitimate news, leading readers to believe that this bottle trick was genuine.
The “Akba (Aqua)” label on the bottle in these posts suggested that the rumors originated in Russia. Experts traced the source based on this information, which led them to a slideshow article on a website called “Richouses.” The article, titled “Vehicle Maintenance Tricks to Keep Your Car in Great Condition,” featured pictures of plastic bottles on car tires that resembled the online advertisement. However, upon thorough examination, professionals failed to find any mention of placing bottles on tires in the entire article.
Further investigations revealed that the misleading ad was actually a distortion of rumors from 2018, which discussed the use of plastic bottles as tools by criminals. So, what does all this mean? Let’s move on to the next section.
The Real Motive Behind Placing Bottles on Tires
Online stories have been circulating about a simple yet malicious trick that criminals often use to steal vehicles. Here’s how it works:
- The thief places an empty bottle on the car’s tires, most likely from the passenger side.
- Unaware of the bottle’s presence, you enter the car from the driver’s side, and as you start the engine, the bottle creates unexpected crunching noises.
- You step out of the car to investigate the strange sound.
- While you’re distracted, the thief effortlessly enters the running car and drives away. However, if you had the foresight to turn off the engine, the thief would only be able to grab a few small personal items.
In short, the “plastic bottle” strategy is designed to divert the driver’s attention, making it easier for criminals to carry out their theft.
What to Do If You Find a Plastic Bottle On Your Tires
Although this trick is not very common, it never hurts to be prepared. So, what should you do if you discover a plastic bottle on your tires? Professionals and experienced individuals recommend immediately dialing 911 to alert the police. Provide them with details about the situation, including the vehicle and its location. This way, if any unfortunate incidents occur, the police will be informed and ready to take action.
Another helpful tip is to quickly walk around your car every time you return to its parking space, such as after a trip to the mall or grocery store. Make sure the car is still locked. By doing this, even if someone is targeting your vehicle, they won’t have the opportunity to take any risks.
Additional Tips to Prevent Car Theft
To further protect your car from theft, consider following these precautions:
- Lock the Doors: Always lock your car doors as soon as you step out. Make it a habit to double-check the doors every time you exit the vehicle.
- Remove the Keys from Your Car: Never leave your keys in the ignition. This is like sending an invitation to criminals, who could easily break the windows and drive away in an instant. Even if you’re just running a quick errand, remember to take the keys with you.
- Never Leave Spare Keys Near Your Car: Treat your spare key like your main key. Always keep it with you when you leave the car. Some people hide their spare keys in the glove box or under the vehicle, thinking it’s a clever move. However, experienced thieves can easily find these hiding spots. It’s best to avoid them altogether.
- Close the Car’s Windows: Keep your car windows tightly shut. Leaving them wide open gives thieves easy access to your belongings inside the car or, even worse, the ability to unlock the doors and take control of the entire vehicle.
- Park in Bright Areas: Avoid poorly lit or secluded parking spots that aren’t immediately visible to passersby. Instead, choose well-lit, high-traffic areas. Thieves are less likely to target cars in such places due to the fear of being seen by witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Plastic Bottles Cause Damage to Car Tires?
No, plastic bottles are no different from any other objects on the road, such as paper or debris. They pose no harm to your car’s performance. While the rumors of water bottle tricks for drivers are untrue, there is no evidence to suggest that these bottles will impact your car’s tires.
2. How Common are Water Bottle Scams Among Thieves?
As far as we know, there have been no reports of actual criminals using this trick. It remains a rumor at this point. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
Our guide has debunked all the misconceptions surrounding the use of water bottles on car tires. While we’re grateful that such tricks aren’t prevalent among potential criminals, it’s still important to keep in mind the safety tips mentioned above. By locking doors, closing windows, and taking other precautions, you can deter these individuals and protect your vehicle.
See more: How To Tell If Your Tire Was Slashed?
