Many rumors are going around about plastic bottles on car tires around the internet. You must have seen multiple images and videos about this. Some spread false information, it being a hack, and some say it may be signs of you being targeted by thieves.
If you are here, it means that either this topic might have piqued your interest while surfing around the web or you might have seen it somewhere in the parking lot.
There are a lot of rumors and misguiding articles on the internet, and it may be confusing to know the real deal.
Since you are here you don’t need to be worried about it, we will tell you all about this myth.
Table of Contents
What does a plastic bottle on a car tire mean?
A plastic bottle cannot just get stuck there between your tires on its own, even a strong gust of wind may be unable to do so. If it is there, the chances of a person placing it is more than likely.
There are no studies or research present as proof of this being a beneficial hack or something to do with maintenance, as all those frauds on the internet claim that it is.
No one watches their car throughout when they return from a mall or business. They just get in and drive off. But if you manage to see it, it could only mean harm.
Many cases have been reported in the last decade about car theft, in which the cars were marked by plastic bottles on the tire.
So, how is it related to theft?
At the start thieves look around for their target, they look for either car they want to steal, or some visible valuables present inside the car.
They place a plastic bottle or container on the passenger side of the car. It is usually crammed in between the tire and wheel well or someplace where it is least expected to be spotted.
They wait around for the person to come back out of sight.
When the owner returns and hits the accelerator, the bottle makes some crackling or humming noise. Most people get anxious and quickly get out to see what happened.
If you had gotten into a small accident where you had hit the side of your car. You may find that the noise produced seems to be similar.
The thieves are just looking for this opportunity. When the owner moves to the other side leaving the door open, they slyly either get in your car and drive off or take any valuables in your car that they had their eyes on.
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What to do if there is a bottle on your tire?
You should always stay alert in case this happens to you in the future. The first thing you can do is take a walk around your car before getting in.
The mistake most people make, and the thieves hope for is, leaving behind the door open while checking for the noise. So, to be on the safe side you should first stay calm and collected.
Then to check for the sound never leave the door open. Turn off your ignition and close the door while taking the keys with you. So that you don’t give them a chance to get to their business.
What are the chances of it happening to you?
The concept of using this technique for theft and car stealing is a bit flawed. This method revolves around a lot of assumptions. First that the driver will leave the door open.
The second is that the thieves have to wait for the owner to come back and they don’t have all day to wait for it.
The last is that there won’t be any other security measures inside the car. So, keeping all that in mind, the chances of this happening to you are quite slim.
However, it is better to be alert and cautious of such petty tricks.
How did it get related to Lifehacks?
The incidents were first reported in Mexico, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
When it came to the knowledge of the authorities, they launched some warning videos on the internet.
Those videos proved to be fuel on fire and criminals used those videos as a how-to manual for stealing cars and belongings.
Then it was that moment that it spread around the world.
Some attention seekers on the internet went as far as to make this scam into a lifehack for views and fun, that is why there are many misleading articles and videos regarding this matter
Final Thoughts
Though it rarely happens these days and is a thing of the past. It is better to be safe than sorry.
It never hurts to know more about such deceits so you can be well prepared in case it happens to you. You should keep all this in mind and act accordingly to be safe.
There are many security locks and alarms to counteract this type of situation.
If you are one of those people who are very cautious consider getting those to put your mind at ease.
