BERLIN: Coolant hoses, ignition cables, insulation materials and rubber seals – these are just a few of the preferred targets for snakes, lizards and other rodents who find their way into your car’s engine compartment. So what can help keep your car safe?
Anyone who finds traces of animal prints or other evidence on their car should have a proper engine wash done, says the German Insurance Association (GDV). Even traces of the scent of other animals can increase their aggressiveness.
Wild animals like martens will sometimes use parts of the car as a shelter or a place to hide food. Young animals can also climb into the engine compartment and use it as a playground, chewing around on whatever they find.
As a result, cars that frequently park in different locations and pass through different animals’ territories are often specifically targeted by critters. If this sounds familiar, regular engine washes can help.
Limiting access
Sealing off the engine compartment is also an effective solution. Some carmakers offer this as a retrofit or even factory installed, explains the GDV. A cheaper alternative is to have an elastic wire mesh under the hood, as small animals don’t usually enjoy treading on such shaky ground. But this is less practical, since it always has to be removed before driving off
Sheathing cables and hoses with a hard plastic exterior can also help. However, these must never come into contact with any hot parts of the engine. In addition, rubber components such as cuffs or insulating materials are still defenceless against a raccoon or weasel’s gnawing teeth.
Odour repellents such as dog hair, mothballs, toilet deodorizers or garlic, are ineffective, since the animals get used to the smells quite quickly. This also applies to devices with ultrasonic waves. In the densely packed engine compartment, these waves, designed to cause discomfort for the animals, are often drowned out, thus reducing their effect.
High-voltage equipment, which is used give animals in the engine compartment electric shocks, should be treated with caution. Given the effects on on-board electronics and potential danger for people, high-voltage systems should only be installed after careful consideration and by a professional, advises the GDV.
Spotting the signs
You won't always be able to tell before you set off in the morning whether some animal has been inside your engine. But there are tell-tale signs you can look out for to avoid risking expensive damage.
If ignition cables, coolant hoses, windscreen wipers or rubber and insulation have been damaged, you'll likely notice that the engine bucks suddenly, provides less power or starts poorly or not at all. In addition, an engine warning lamp may light up in the cockpit.
If you notice this, don't continue using the car, as you risk damaging the catalytic converter, among other things. The car may also be losing fluids if holes have been put in the hoses.
Warning signs before you get into the car may include: fur, hairs or paw prints, as well as remnants of bitten material on or under the car. Spot any signs like this and you'd better take a look into the engine compartment before turning the ignition key.
Damage caused by nibbling and chewing from critters is usually covered by partial and full insurance. However, some policies cover only the directly damaged parts and not consequential damage, such as when a chewed coolant hose causes general engine damage.
