hear an unusual noise, don’t panic and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger.
Take a moment to assess the situation, stay aware of your surroundings, and move somewhere safer if appropriate.
The Bottom Line
A plastic bottle near your tire could be nothing more than discarded trash.
But if you notice one deliberately positioned around your vehicle—or hear an unexplained noise immediately after starting the car—it’s reasonable to be cautious.
You don’t need to assume the worst. Just don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger while trying to find out what’s wrong.
A few seconds of awareness can be far more valuable than rushing out of the vehicle to investigate.