If you've spent any time on social media or browsing the internet in recent years, you've probably come across a shocking warning: "Always put a plastic bottle on your tires when parked" or worse, "If you see a bottle on your car tire, you're about to be carjacked!"
These warnings have gone viral, shared millions of times across Facebook, Twitter, and various news websites. The claims sound terrifying—criminals supposedly use this simple trick to distract drivers and steal their vehicles. But is there any truth to this widespread warning?
The Viral Warning Explained
The story goes something like this: A would-be car thief spots your vehicle in a parking lot. While you're away shopping or running errands, they wedge an empty plastic water bottle between your tire and the wheel well—usually on the passenger side where you won't notice it when you get in.
When you start your car and begin to drive away, the bottle creates a loud crunching or cracking sound. Startled and concerned, you stop the car and get out to investigate what's wrong. This is exactly what the thief wants—you've left your car running with the keys inside, your phone and wallet still on the seat.
In those few seconds while you're checking your tire, the criminal jumps into your driver's seat and speeds away with your vehicle and all your belongings. It's a simple distraction technique that preys on people's natural instinct to investigate unusual sounds from their car.
⚠️ The Claim Spreading Online
Posts and articles claimed this was a growing trend, with some even suggesting it was happening "everywhere" or warning people to "always check their tires" before getting in their car. The warnings seemed urgent and serious, backed by official-looking graphics and shared by seemingly credible sources.
Where Did This Warning Come From?
The plastic bottle car theft warning first appeared online around 2018, originating primarily from social media posts and low-quality "news" websites. What made it spread so quickly was the perfect storm of viral content: it was simple to understand, seemed plausible enough to be concerning, and came with an easy action item (check your tires).
By 2021, the story had evolved even further. New variations appeared claiming you should "always put a bottle on your tire when parked" for various supposed safety reasons—without ever explaining what those reasons actually were. These newer versions were typically clickbait advertisements designed to lure people into clicking through dozens of pages.
Did You Know? The bottle-on-tire story is just one of many car-related urban legends that have spread online. Similar myths include coins in door handles, zip ties on mirrors, and coded markers used by human traffickers—none of which have been verified by law enforcement.
But here's the crucial question: Has this technique ever actually been used by car thieves? And should you be worried about it happening to you? The investigation into this viral warning reveals some surprising truths that everyone should know.