Tips To Deter Rodent Damage To Your Vehicle

You don’t hear about rodent damage to vehicles in New Mexico too often, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Especially in the winter, these little critters such as rats, mice, and even raccoons can crawl up a tire and cuddle with your engine block to stay warm in freezing temperatures. Colder temperatures are just around the corner so be prepared. Melloy Dodge would like to give you steps you can take to protect your vehicle and your vehicle’s wiring from damage that is sure to be a costly repair.

You Can Leave Your Hood Open At Night:  Leave your vehicle's hood open if it's safe to do so. This will remind you to check your engine area for varmints before starting up. 

Moth Balls: These are poisonous to the rodent if consumed. You can place these in mesh bags around your vehicle or in the engine block area, as long as you remember to get them out each time.

Park Your Car In The Garage: Keeping your vehicle parked inside will reduce the risk of rodents getting in your vehicle and chewing up expensive wiring. Make sure your garage is sealed as well. 

Peppermint Oil: You can use peppermint oil as a natural way to repel rodents. You can soak cotton balls and place them on the metal lip just below your windshield under the hood, and spray your tires with the oil as well. 

Rodent Deterrent Tape: As an extra precaution, especially if you live in an area that you know is infested with these creatures, you can wrap your vehicle’s wiring in rodent deterrent tape. 

Ultrasonic Devices: Say goodbye to mouse traps. Ultrasonic devices employ the use of undetectable sound waves to drive away unwanted rodents and other pests.

No one wants to deal with taking their vehicle to the mechanic to have wiring replaced. This is both an inconvenience and a costly expense. But, if rodents have recently taken your vehicle’s wiring as part of their dietary needs, our skilled mechanics are ready to get you back on the road as quickly as possible! Stop into our express lane and we'll complete an evaluation and either schedule you for an appointment or get you back on the road. Visit Melloy Dodge online to schedule your vehicle appointment today!