Rats! You can buy the most reliable car on earth and still find electrical shorts, fluid leaks, and even outright failure when rodents take up residence and begin chewing on wiring, hoses, plastic, and other critical car parts. This is especially a risk for cars stored over the winter. Rodent-inflicted damage is an age-old problem that some observers say is increasing as automakers use more plant-based biodegradable materials to reduce waste. Several class-action lawsuits have been filed against major automakers in recent years — alleging that soy-based products were to blame — but all the cases have been dismissed. Pest control companies consider the temptations of tasty materials to be a myth, instead blaming rodent biology and their need to constantly chew in order to prevent their teeth from growing too long. It turns out that feasting on cars is more prevalent than you might think. In fact, there was a rise during the pandemic, partly because people were working from home and driving less frequently. There are things you can do to protect your car from the furry creatures. If you suspect a rodent problem, inspect and clean the car outside (not in the garage) while wearing protective rubber gloves — rodents can carry diseases. Once you get your car thoroughly cleaned and rid it of any remnants of the critters, here are some tips for keeping it rodent-free:
- • Park away from places known to attract rodents, such as trash cans and vegetable gardens.
- • Park in a garage, if possible, and keep the doors closed.
- • Make sure the garage doesn’t have stored food or prime nesting materials like newspapers, cardboard, rags, or patio furniture cushions.
- • Look for gaps around garage windows and doors where rodents can sneak in and weatherstrip under the side doors to seal them.
- • Don’t store trash cans in the garage.
- • Keep the interior of the car free from food wrappers, as their scent can draw rodents.
- • Move the car regularly, discouraging varmints from taking up residents. Honk the horn before starting the car to scar away napping critters.
