MOTORING experts have revealed the most common dangers pests and wild animals pose to our vehicles – from greenfly droppings to nibbling rodents.

Every year, drivers across the UK are left scratching their heads how damage such as chewed wires, paint damage or scratched seats has appeared suddenly. And the culprits are often wild animals and pests who may have been attracted to the vehicle in their search for food or shelter.

Duncan McClure Fisher, founder and CEO of MotorEasy, the UK’s fastest growing motoring association, said: “Nobody likes to be hit with a hefty bill to repair unexpected damage to their vehicle. Unfortunately, pests and wild animals can pose a number of risks to our motors and problems can often be easy to miss until it’s too late. Paint damage from insect droppings and chewed wires are among the most commonly reported issues, but pests can also nest in the most unexpected nooks and crannies. It’s important for motorists to be aware of potential hazards and carry out regular inspections of the engine, brake wires, the exhaust and any other part of the vehicle that might attract unwanted visitors.” 

Earlier this month, fed-up residents in Horsham, West Sussex, were forced to cover their cars with tarpaulin after a group of destructive foxes caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage by wires to get to the brake fluid. Meanwhile, each summer British motorists are on high alert for paint damage caused by acidic droppings from greenflies, a common household bug. Now, experts at MotorEasy have revealed the five most common ways pests and wildlife damage our motors - and what we can do to avoid them.

Birds and rodents nesting in the engine

Critters such as rats, mice and even birds have been found nesting in engine spaces and this can result in the entire vehicle going up in flames. They are notorious for scratching, chewing and defecating under the bonnet and motorists often only find them when the damage has already been done. Experts recommend investing in a car cover to help prevent unwanted visitors, or simply checking the engine every time you plan to get behind the wheel.

Foxes chewing through cables

Various theories have been posed over the years as to why the flame-haired mammals wreak havoc with the wires and cables that are so important to keep our vehicles running smoothly. Some experts believe they like the smell and taste of brake fluid, while others think they simply find it a fun activity. While regular checks are important to ensure no damage has been done, some motorists choose to install a small unit in their garages that emit high-pitched ultrasonic bursts when a fox crosses its radar.

Insect and bird droppings on paintwork

One of the unfortunate inevitabilities of owning a vehicle is that birds and insects will leave droppings on it and there is little you can do about it. The acidic nature of some pest faeces can dissolve paintwork and leave motorists facing hefty bills to restore their pride and joy back to its former glory. A car cover may be a useful tool to keep nasty droppings away, while cleaning them off as soon as possible is also advised.

Rodents scratching seats and belts

Pests can often burrow their way into our car interiors through tiny nooks and crannies humans don’t even notice. And they can wreak havoc once inside, from chewing through seat belts, to scratching and defecating on seats. Some motorists have reported success in using raw tobacco to ward off pests, while the general advice is to avoid build-ups of food waste, blocking obvious points of entry and clearing away potential hiding places.

For more information, visit https://www.motoreasy.com/