If you see a plastic bottle on your tire, pay close attention.

Why People Put Bottles on Tires

1. Pranks or Mischief
   • Teenagers and pranksters sometimes toss bottles, cans, or other objects on tires to startle drivers or make noise when the car moves.
2. Marking or Targeting a Vehicle
   • In some rare cases, criminals may leave objects on tires to see if a car is regularly parked in a spot or to signal a vehicle for theft or vandalism.
3. Accidental Placement
   • Sometimes it’s purely unintentional — someone might have set the bottle down nearby and forgot it.

While most of the time it’s harmless, you should never ignore it.

What Happens When You Drive Over a Bottle

• Plastic bottles are lightweight, so most often they don’t damage tires.
• However, if the bottle contains liquid, sand, or is wedged under the rim, it could cause traction issues or tire scratches.
• Objects on tires can also startle drivers in parking lots, potentially causing accidents.

Safety Tips: How to Handle It

1. Check Before Driving
   • Always inspect your tires for unusual objects, especially after parking in public areas.
2. Remove Carefully
   • Pick up the bottle with gloves if possible — it could contain unknown substances.
3. Look Around for Additional Signs
   • If you notice other unusual items, marks on your car, or suspicious behavior nearby, consider reporting it to security or the police.
4. Document the Scene
   • Take a quick photo for records, just in case it’s connected to repeated harassment or vandalism.

When to Take It Seriously

• Repeated incidents around your car or driveway
• Bottles or objects with unknown liquids or chemicals
• Strange markings or scratches on your vehicle

These could indicate malicious intent, not just an innocent prank.