Has someone pissed you off so badly that you desperately want to make them pay? We’re talking about your ears burning, your nose steaming with anger!
Well, crap happens, and slashing tires is one way people get back at those who’ve crossed them. But how do you do it going unnoticed?
For one, you must be sneaky and pick a time when the coast is clear. And most crucially, you need the right tools to make it fast and silent, like razor blades, kitchen knives, screwdrivers, or wire cutters.
Now, before we get into how to slash tires, remember that it’s illegal and dangerous and could land you in serious trouble when caught! So, proceed at your own risk.
What Does It Mean to Slash Tires?
Slashing someone else’s tire is an act of vandalism where you intentionally stick a knife or something sharp to puncture or cut a hole in their tire’s sidewall. Basically, you’re trying to mess up their ride, making them fork over some serious cash for a new tire.
However, slashing the tire doesn’t mean damaging the wheel rim itself. Damaging the rim is called ‘keying’ or ‘curbing,’ and that could lead to even more expensive repairs.
What Makes People Slash Tires?
Simply because they’re trying to get revenge on someone for having done them wrong, they could try and deflate the tires, but that just doesn’t cut it in the longer term. So, they’ve got to go all out and ruin it for good.
Not only does the car owner have to deal with the shock and humiliation of having their tires messed up, but they’ve also got to shell out some considerable bucks to replace them.
Is It Illegal to Slash Tires?
You bet it is! Slashing tires is considered vandalism, which is a criminal offense. Depending on the state and other factors, it could land you with anything from a hefty fine to additional civil and criminal penalties.
Some jurisdictions also consider it to be a form of assault. To make matters worse, if anyone finds out who did it, they can even get a restraining order against you. All in all, it’s a one-way ticket to some serious legal trouble.
So, unless you’re willing to risk it, it’s better to avoid slashing someone’s tires altogether.
Tools You Can Use to Slash Tires
Now if you’ve still decided to go ahead and do it, you need the right tools for the job. Some of the commonly used items for tire slashing are:
- Kitchen/pocket knives
- Razor blades
- Scissors
- Screwdrivers/awl/nails and hammers
- Wire cutters
These tools are light, and they make it easy to puncture or cut the tires with their sidewalls without having to make too much noise or damage the rim.
Then again, you might want to consider a few more things to tackle the secrecy aspect besides the cutting tools. Such as:
- Gloves
- A flashlight
- Face mask
The gloves are to protect your hands from any cuts and avoid leaving your fingerprints behind, the flashlight helps you locate the tires when it’s dark, and the face mask helps conceal your identity in case someone catches you in the act.
Things to Consider Before Slashing Tires
Before slash-and-run, you need to be very sure of what you’re doing and have a plan in place. Safety is your priority, and so are the following:
- Choose a time when you know the coast is clear, preferably late at night.
- Have a good look around to make sure no one is watching, but be quick about it!
- Have an escape route planned out, so you can get away from the scene quickly and without being detected.
- If possible, park your car a few blocks away from the location.
- You should also have a cover story planned out in case you are questioned about the incident.
- Carry the tools in a garbage bag so you don’t have to raise suspicion by carrying them openly.
- Wear gloves and a face mask not to leave any clues behind that could be traced back to you.
- Get in and out as fast as possible, preferably under a minute.
- Consider the tire pressure before you do it – too much pressure when cutting a tire with a sharp object can lead to a greater risk of explosion, so deflate it a little bit first if possible.
- Also, keep your face away from the tire when doing it to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes.
- And last but not least, compare the tire strength with your own and the sharpness of your cutting tools beforehand to make sure you’re taking on something that’s doable.
How to Slash Tires Without Getting Caught: 4 Steps to Success?
Now comes the most fun part – actually doing the deed! Here’s how to get it done without getting caught:
Get stealthy
Make sure no one sees you and have an escape plan ready. Park your car away from the scene, turn off your car’s lights, and wear gloves and a face mask. Also, watch for any security cameras and be aware of the surroundings.
Pick the right tools
You need sharp and lightweight tools, like kitchen knives and razor blades, that can make a clean cut or puncture without damaging the rim.
Make sure the tool is sharp enough to cut through the tire’s rubber. Otherwise, you’ll just end up pushing the blade instead of cutting it.
For example, if the tire pressure is too high, you’ll want a screwdriver or an awl to make a hole in the tire sidewall. In contrast, using a wire cutter will make your job easier and faster if the pressure is low.
Start slashing
The idea is to slash the sidewall of your tire from an angle, not straight from the top. This way, the tire will start leaking air until it’s flat and unusable.
You must strike swiftly and forcefully. Start from one side and make shallow, curved cuts. Then, gently slide the cutting tool into the tire at an angle so that the air will escape slowly. This will buy you some time before you’re seen.
Finish Up And Make A Run For It!
Once you’re done, slip away from the scene quickly. It’s a good idea to keep a lookout for anyone suspicious nearby. And don’t forget to dispose of all the tools you used somewhere untraceable before you escape.