If You See a Plastic Bottle on Your Tire, Pay Close Attention

Life today is filled with challenges, from the rising cost of living to the constant pressure of work, family responsibilities, and personal obligations. In the middle of all this, it is easy to rush from place to place without giving much thought to what is happening around us. Yet personal safety must always remain a top priority, especially in situations where a few seconds of hesitation can lead to serious consequences.

One such situation involves a plastic bottle lodged between your car’s tire and the frame. If you ever notice this on your vehicle, it is important to stay alert and act with caution. What may look like a harmless object could actually be part of a dangerous setup. In certain cases, it can signal an attempted carjacking, and responding the wrong way could put you in real danger.

What is this scam

Criminals continue to develop new and unsettling tactics, and one that has drawn attention in recent years involves this very method. It was first widely reported in Limpopo, South Africa, and has since been observed in other regions of the world, including parts of the United States. The idea behind it is simple but highly effective because it relies on a natural human reaction.

Here is how it typically works. A thief looks for a parked vehicle, usually in a shopping center lot, residential area, or any place where drivers might be distracted. The criminal places an empty plastic bottle between one of the car’s wheels and the frame, often choosing the front passenger side tire. From the driver’s seat, the bottle is difficult or impossible to see. Once the driver starts the car and begins moving, the bottle makes a loud crackling or popping noise. This noise immediately grabs the driver’s attention and creates concern.

Naturally, most people will pull over and step out of the car to check what is causing the sound. That moment of confusion and distraction is exactly what the thief is waiting for.

What happens next

From that point, the situation can unfold in one of two ways. In the first scenario, the carjacker rushes into the vehicle, which is often still running, and drives away. In the second scenario, the criminal quickly grabs any valuables visible inside the car, such as a purse, phone, wallet, or laptop, and disappears before the driver fully understands what is happening.

In both cases, leaving the vehicle without understanding the situation exposes the driver to serious risk. The thief may be watching closely from nearby and waiting for that opportunity.

How to protect yourself

There are several simple habits that can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Always take a moment to visually inspect your vehicle before getting inside, especially if it has been parked for a while. Walk around the car and glance at the wheels. Look for anything that does not belong there, such as bottles, cans, wires, or other unfamiliar objects. If you notice something suspicious, do not immediately approach the vehicle or attempt to remove the object. Move to a safe location and contact emergency services to report what you see, along with your location and vehicle description.

According to Michigan radio station WCRZ, this quick visual check can be enough to prevent a crime before it begins.

Final thoughts

This trick works because it catches drivers off guard and plays on instinct. By staying aware of your surroundings and making a habit of checking your car before driving away, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and your belongings. Sometimes the smallest precautions make the greatest difference in staying safe.