Tire valves shot - vandalism?

bpaulc1

My wife and I went on vacation. While we were gone, my daughter had to move our Fiat 500e out of our driveway to let some contractors into the driveway. The next day, all 4 tires were flat. When I got back, I looked at the tires and couldn't see a slash on them. I started to reinflate each tire. However, when I took the pump off to put the cap on, air came rushing out. I quickly screwed the cap on and saved enough air to drive the car back to our house. The most obvious thing is vandalism, but we don't live in a high crime neighborhood and weren't blocking someone's driveway, and the method seems unusual. Any other possible explanation? Any idea how someone would remove the valves like that? They even put the valve caps back on.

capriracer

The valve cores can be screwed out. There's a special tool, but even a needle nose plies will do the trick. You can buy these cores at any auto parts store.

Yes, this sounds like vandalism, and it's the type that doesn't damage anything unless you drive on the tires. More inconvenience that anything else.

I would consider very carefully where the car was parked. I remember getting yelled at as a kid for parking in the street, but opposite the end of a driveway, making it difficult for a car to back out. Learned a lesson.

I would also consider the possibility that a neighbor took exception to your parking in the street - period. Perhaps too long in front of their house?

kyfdx

Geez... where do you live that someone would vandalize your car, just for parking on the street?

Mr_Shiftright

Yep, someone on your block has an anger management problem, but at least with enough self-control not to escalate from a nasty prank to a criminal offense--had they punctured the tires.

capriracer

Just an FYI: I've lived in places where parking in front of someone else's house was considered really rude.

kyfdx

capriracer said:

Just an FYI: I've lived in places where parking in front of someone else's house was considered really rude.

Me too.... but, wouldn't expect vandalism without some sort of confrontation, first.