How to Deal with the Person Who Let the Air Out of Your Car When Caught?

[VanCassidy]

At the scene, promptly record a video. Preserve surveillance footage or dashcam recordings from the incident. Retain evidence and immediately call the police to report the incident.

[LaJesse]

Just helped a friend deal with a similar situation yesterday! If you catch someone in the act, don’t impulsively confront them—if they get aggressive and hurt you, it’s not worth it. I advised my friend to immediately start recording with their phone, capturing the person’s face, the tools in their hand, and the act of deflating the tires. Make sure to get a clear shot of the license plate, ideally with both the person and the car in the frame. If it’s in a parking lot, call security right away to witness; if there’s no security, dial 110 directly. Even when the police arrive, don’t settle privately—insist on filing a formal report. This counts as intentional property damage and can lead to detention. Finally, remember to get a repair invoice from the dealership; you can claim compensation for the labor cost of replacing the valve core and any lost wages. If the other party refuses to pay, take the police report and file a small claims lawsuit—it’s a sure win.

[LaBrielle]

Last year my tire got punctured too, so frustrating! To catch the culprit, first secure evidence: use your phone to record a full video circling the car, focusing on the deflated tire and removed valve cap. If they try to flee, note the license plate but don't chase—safety first. When reporting to police, don't just say "deflation," emphasize they threatened you with a weapon (even a screwdriver counts) for faster response. During police mediation, demand a written compensation agreement—don't accept cash. Most crucial: check your insurance—some auto damage policies cover tire repair costs. Ask your insurer if they require a police case report. Keep all repair invoices; if the other party reneges, take them to court!

[StRichard]

I've got experience with this. It depends on the other party's attitude. Last week, I caught a brat letting air out of tires in the underground garage. I blocked him and demanded his parents come over. First, calmly explained that a tire repair costs 200 yuan, then scared them by saying the surveillance footage could be reported to the police, leaving a record. The parents, fearing trouble, transferred 500 yuan on the spot—though inflating at a repair shop only costs 30 yuan. If you encounter a troublemaker, don’t confront them directly. Pretend to pass by, note the license plate, and report a hit-and-run to 122—it works better than a regular police report. Also, remember to carry a tire pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 1.5, you must call a tow truck—driving on it will damage the rims, and that cost should also be charged to the other party!