Ever had that heart-stopping moment when you hear a crunch under your tires and realize you've just run over something you shouldn't have?

Well, if that something happens to be a glass bottle in a parking lot, don't panic!

It's not ideal, sure, but it's also not the end of the world.

In this guide, I'll go over what you should do if you ran over a glass bottle in a parking lot, from checking for damage to deciding if you need to see a mechanic.

What Happens If You Run Over A Glass Bottle?

When your car runs over a glass bottle, a few things can happen. 

That bottle is most likely going to shatter into a bunch of pieces, and those tiny shards might get stuck in your tire’s tread.

If the glass is sharp enough, it could even puncture the tire, leading to a slow leak or, if you're really unlucky, a flat tire right away. If the bottle was big or thick, it could even put a dent in your rims, especially if you hit it at a weird angle or at higher speeds.

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Most of the time, though, you'll just hear that crunch and be fine—your tires are built tough.

Apart from that, these sharp little shards might spread all over the place, which isn't great for other drivers.

What To Do If You Ran Over A Glass Bottle

Okay, so you've run over a glass bottle. Now what? Don't panic. Here's what you should do:

#1 Check For Damage

First things first, you need to get your car to a safe spot. 

Pull over to a nearby parking space or to the side of the road if you're not in a lot. Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you're having a bit of trouble. 

Once you're safely parked, it's time to play detective. 

Take a good look at your tires and wheels. You're looking for any cuts, punctures, or pieces of glass stuck in the tire. Don't forget to check the sides of the tires too. 

While you're at it, give your wheel rims a once-over for any scratches or dents.

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#2 Listen For Air Leaks

Now that you've given your tires a good look, it's time to use your ears. 

Listen carefully for any hissing sounds. This step requires a bit of quiet, so turn off your engine and any music. Cup your hands around your ears if it helps you hear better. 

Start at one tire and slowly move around all four, listening carefully near each one.

If you hear something that sounds like air escaping, it's likely that the glass has poked a hole in your tire. 

If that's the case, you might need to switch to your spare tire or call a mechanic.

Remember, even a small leak can turn into a big problem if left unchecked.

#3 Clean Up (If Possible)

If it's safe to do so and you've got the right tools, consider cleaning up the glass from the parking lot or road. It's a nice thing to do and could save someone else from the same headache you're dealing with. 

But only try to clean up if you can do it without putting yourself at risk. 

If you decide to clean up, don't just use your hands - find a broom or brush if you can. A dustpan would be ideal, but if you don't have one, even a piece of cardboard can work to scoop up the glass. Then toss it in a nearby trash can.

If there's a lot of glass or it's spread over a wide area, it might be best to alert the parking lot management. They'll get it cleaned up.

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#4 Check Your Tires Again Later

Even if everything looks fine at first, it's a good idea to check your tires again after you've driven for a bit. 

Sometimes, small cuts or punctures don't show up right away but can get worse as you drive. So, after you've been on the road for a while, park your car and give those tires another thorough inspection.

Look for any damage that might have become more obvious.

#5 Monitor Your Tire Pressure

In the days after your run-in with the glass bottle, keep an eye on your tire pressure. 

A small puncture might cause a slow leak that you don't notice right away, but it can lead to a flat tire over time. Check your tire pressure regularly with a tire pressure gauge. 

If you notice the pressure keeps dropping, it's time to get your tires checked out by a pro.

#6 Go To A Mechanic

If you're not sure about the extent of the damage, or if you've noticed any weird things with how your car's been running since the incident, it's best to get a professional opinion. 

For example, pulling to one side or unusual vibrations could be signs of tire damage.

A mechanic can give your tires, wheels, and the underside of your car a thorough once-over. 

They'll make sure there's no hidden damage that could cause problems down the road.

Bottom Line

Running over a glass bottle in a parking lot isn't fun, but it's not the end of the world either. 

Just follow these steps and you should be able to minimize any potential damage. 

Always put your safety and the safety of others first when dealing with situations like this. And remember, even if everything seems fine at first, it's important to keep an eye on your car's performance for the next few days just in case.