Has your car ever been booted for unpaid parking tickets? If so, you know the aggravation and embarrassment that come with it. While it may seem like a daunting task, removing a tire boot is actually not that difficult.
To get rid of a tire boot, start by using a flathead screwdriver or knife to carefully pry the boot off of the wheel. Then, use a jack to lift the car off the ground. Subtract the wheel bolts, then take away the wheel. Remove the tire boot completely and check the tire for any damages or punctures. Finally, put the wheel back on and tighten the wheel bolts.
In this article, we’ll cover the steps necessary to successfully remove a tire boot without damaging your car. So, if you’re stuck with an immobilized vehicle, read on to learn how to get back on the road in no time.
How To Remove a Tire Boot (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting a tire boot off your car can be a real challenge, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done. In this section, we’ll show you exactly how to remove a tire boot in just a few simple steps.
Step 1. Gather Your Tools
Before we get started, we need to gather the necessary tools. You will need an air saw duster, a straw, some water, and a flathead screwdriver.
Step 2. Prepare Your Straw
Take your straw and peel it open. Make sure it fits the little back part where the key is inserted to unlock the tire boot. To do this, take the flathead screwdriver and widen the back part until the straw fits snugly inside. Keep widening it until it becomes circular.
Step 3. Wet the Straw
Dip the straw into some water and let it get wet. You only need a little bit of water, so don’t overdo it.
Step 4. Insert the Straw
Insert the wet straw into the little hole in the back of the tire boot. Hold it in place with your thumb.
Step 5. Use the Air Saw Duster
Flip the air saw duster upside down and spray the liquid nitrogen onto the wet straw. Keep spraying until it gets cold enough.
Step 6. Twist the Straw
While holding the straw in place, twist it clockwise until it becomes loose. This may take some time, but don’t give up.
Step 7. Use the Flathead Screwdriver
If the straw doesn’t twist easily, you can use the flathead screwdriver to pop open the little part that is locking the wheel. Take the flathead screwdriver and pop the little part open.
Step 8. Remove the Boot
Once you’ve popped open the little part, the tire boot should come loose. You can then remove it from your car.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully removed the tire boot from your car. Remember to pay any outstanding fines and parking tickets, if your tire boot is from Law Enforcement agencies, to avoid getting another tire boot in the future.
What are the different kinds of tire boots?
Tire boots are devices used to secure a vehicle’s wheel to prevent it from theft or being driven away. There are four main types of tire boots, each with its own unique features and uses.
1. Claw-Type
This style of tire boot is composed of two large claw-like pieces that are connected together by a cable or chain. It is typically mounted on the wheel of the vehicle, with the claws securely holding the wheel in place.
It also is easy to install and remove, and it is also lightweight and efficient. It is usually the cheapest type of boot available and is best used for short-term wheel immobilization.
2. Chain Type
This type of boot is composed of a metal chain that wraps around the wheel and is often secured with a lock. The chain is usually made from hard-wearing, durable materials and can be adjusted to fit the wheel. It provides enough immobilization to discourage any thief from trying to take your ride.
3. Tire Clamp-Type
Tire boots of the clamp-type variety fit snugly over the tire, secured by a handy padlock. Installation is effortless, making these an excellent temporary immobilization solution. While less secure than their claw-type or chain-type counterparts, they can be removed with simple bolt cutters.
4. Clamp-Type
A clamp-type lock is an alternative to claw-type and chain-type boots. This kind is made up of two or more clamps that are attached to the wheel, typically by screws. These locks are considered to be the most secure type of tire boot and are difficult to remove without a key.
What Are the Consequences of Removing a Wheel Boot?
Driving away with a wheel boot on your car can spell major trouble – and the consequences vary depending on who put it there. Law enforcement, private companies, or scammers might all be to blame for your unwanted predicament, and each has its own repercussions. Here’s what you need to know:
Law Enforcement:
If a wheel boot has been placed on your vehicle by a law enforcement officer, the consequences of removing it can be severe. Depending on the state and local laws, it can be considered to be a misdemeanor or felony offense.
This could potentially result in hefty fines based on the state you are living in. As in New York, the vehicle boot fee is $136 with additional charges if applied.
Additionally, they will likely impound the vehicle until all of the fines are paid and the vehicle is returned to its original condition.
Private Company or Landowner:
The placement of a wheel boot on a vehicle by a private company or landowner can result in serious repercussions for the vehicle’s owner. Without permission, removal of the wheel boot can lead to civil charges as well as potential legal action.
To avoid these ramifications, many states allow private wheel boot companies to file civil lawsuits against vehicle owners who do not pay their outstanding debts. These lawsuits can attach wages, bank accounts, and other assets to the debt, as well as levy additional fines and fees.
Scammer:
Wheel boot scams are becoming increasingly common, as shown in this video, often targeting vulnerable people such as the elderly. Removing a boot that has been scammer-placed can lead to criminal prosecution.
The person responsible may have to pay a fine and may even face jail time, as well as being ordered to pay restitution to any victims of the scam. In addition, they may also face civil action from the victims or the company that placed the boot.
Tire Boot Removal Video
Final Verdict
Removing a tire boot is a relatively easy process when done correctly. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone is capable of removing a tire boot and getting back on the road in no time. Once the tire boot is removed, be sure to take the necessary steps to solve the issue that caused the tire boot in the first place.
Hopefully, this article has given you the information you need to feel confident in removing a tire boot and getting back on the road safely.
Good luck and happy motoring!
FAQs
How long does a boot stay on your car?
A boot usually remains on a car until the owner pays any outstanding parking tickets or other fees. Depending on the jurisdiction, the owner may have anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to pay the fees before the boot is removed. In some cases, if payment is not made within the allotted time, the vehicle may be towed.
Can you drive with a boot?
No, it is not possible to drive with a tire boot. A tire boot is a device that is used to immobilize a vehicle when it is parked and not in use. It is usually attached to the wheel of the vehicle to prevent it from moving. The purpose of a tire boot is to keep the vehicle from being driven away, not to allow it to move. Therefore, it is not possible to drive a vehicle with a tire boot.
What are tire boots called?
A tire boot is also called a wheel clamp, parking boot, or Denver boot. It is a device that is clamped to the wheel of a vehicle to prevent it from being moved. It is usually used by law enforcement to immobilize vehicles that are illegally parked or that are in violation of other laws. It is also used by towing companies to prevent cars from being towed away without the owner’s permission.