An unusual trend has been gaining prominence among car fans, marked by gestures and objects that, at first glance, do not seem to make sense. Putting a bottle of water in the roof of a car is one of those curious examples that hides a little known meaning in the automotive world.
The tradition of ducks in the Jeep in the USA
In the United States, a very peculiar habit has won the owners of the Jeep brand. Called a ducking, this phenomenon consists of leaving small rubber ducks on other drivers’ vehicles as a form of greeting among enthusiasts.
Of play the code between drivers
Over time, this joke was seen as a true ritual within the Jeep community. Ducks are usually placed in visible places, such as hood or mirrors, acting as a friendly sign between strangers who share the same taste for the brand, according to El Motor.
Other brands also joined the idea
The success of the idea led other drivers to create their own symbols. In the case of Subaru owners, the tendency arose to use toy cows as a badge of its connection to the brand and adventurous spirit associated with these vehicles.
Social networks amplify the phenomenon
The popularity of these gestures was amplified by social networks. Photographs and videos with ducks, cows or other decorative objects have become viral, reinforcing the sense of belonging among members of automotive communities.
According to the Spanish portal, these visual elements act as codes of recognition. More than a joke, they represent an expression of identity and emotional connection to the automotive universe.
The bottle has another meaning
In Argentina, a very different practice also uses a simple object with a clear intention. There, placing a plastic bottle in the roof of a parked car indicates that the vehicle is on sale without the need for posters.
This code did not arise by chance. In the 1940s, the imposing general, equivalent to the Portuguese Tax Authority, charged taxes on the sale of used cars. To circumvent this rate, sellers began to signal vehicles with a discreet bottle.
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A custom that resists time
The solution eventually turned into a rooted tradition. Currently, in many Argentine cities, a roof bottle continues to be interpreted as a silent sale announcement, understood by those who pass.
This method stands out for its effectiveness and simplicity. With no costs involved, interested parties easily identify that the car is available, avoiding more bureaucratic intermediaries or processes.
A gesture that catches the attention of all
In addition to practical, the system draws attention visually. The bottle acts as a prominent point that attracts glances, whether it is on foot, by bicycle or driving, becoming a makeshift alternative to traditional ads.
Legal limits in Portuguese territory
In Portugal, the informal sale of cars in public space is subject to specific rules. Placing signs or posters may, in certain municipalities, lead to the application of fines or to remove the car if it is immobilized for long periods.
Not everything is allowed in Argentina
Although Argentine practice is not considered illegal, there are also limits. Some locations impose rules regarding prolonged parking or misuse of public space, which may result in sanctions.
According to, both rubber ducks and bottle bottles reveal something deeper: the way drivers use small gestures to communicate, create calls, and share experiences in a world where the car goes far beyond driving.
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