Finding a plastic bottle wedged against your car tire can be surprising, especially if you’ve seen viral videos claiming it is part of a clever car theft scheme. According to the stories shared online, thieves supposedly place an empty bottle between the tire and wheel well so it makes a loud popping sound when the vehicle starts moving. The startled driver then stops to investigate, leaving the car vulnerable to theft. While the scenario sounds convincing, police have found very little verified evidence showing that this is a common tactic used by criminals.

In reality, lightweight plastic bottles are frequently blown across parking lots and streets by the wind, making it entirely possible that the bottle ended up near your tire by accident. Even so, any unexpected object around your vehicle deserves a careful response. Before stepping out, take a quick look around your surroundings, keep your keys and phone with you, and avoid making rushed decisions until you know the situation is safe.