Animals Causing Record Number of Vehicle Breakdowns
In a surprising turn of events the number of vehicle breakdowns caused by animals has hit an all-time high and guess who the main troublemakers are? Rats! That's right these little critters are causing big problems for car owners.
The RAC a well-known roadside assistance provider has reported a staggering 303 calls for help due to animal incidents in just the first 11 months of 2023. This is a huge jump – a 55% increase – compared to the 196 animal-related incidents they dealt with during the same period in 2018.
Now when we talk about animal incidents we're not just talking about the occasional squirrel darting in front of your car. These incidents are more about animals causing damage to the vehicles themselves. Rats for instance have a knack for chewing through important cables and wires under the hood. This can lead to all sorts of car troubles from electrical issues to complete breakdowns.
It's important to note that these figures from the RAC don't even include the times when vehicles hit animals which is a whole other problem. We're focusing solely on those sneaky situations where animals like rats directly damage the cars.
This rise in animal-related car troubles is something car owners should be aware of. It's a reminder to regularly check your vehicle for any signs of animal interference especially if you park outdoors where critters are more likely to sneak in.
It's one of those things you might not think about but as the numbers show it's becoming a more common problem. So keep an eye out for those pesky rats and other animals that might see your car as their next playground or snack bar!
Rats: The Most Mischievous Animals
More than half of the reported incidents involve rats. Rats can often be found chewing at fuel hoses infesting engine bays and breaking headlights. RAC patrol Nick Isaac from Southwest England discovered a squirrel using a car air filter to store nuts. He explained: "The car had lost power and had an odd smell.
When I lifted the bonnet and revved the engine the air filter moved like it was being sucked towards the engine. It turned out a squirrel had been taking nuts from a bird feeder and storing them in the airbox restricting airflow to the car."
Foxes: The Other Culprit
Foxes are guilty of chewing at speed sensor wiring windscreen wiper blades and brake hoses. A RAC patrol found 10 mice nesting in a Porsche under a panel at the bottom of the windscreen. Another one retrieved a baby pet python who was attracted to the owner's warm brakes and placed himself behind a wheel trim.
Driver's Precautionary Measures
Drivers here's a heads-up: your car could be a magnet for rodents especially if there's food inside or if you haven't used it for a while. Alice Simpson a spokeswoman from RAC has some important advice on this. She points out that finding a rat or mouse in your car isn't just gross it can also lead to some seriously expensive repairs.
Rodents are sneaky little creatures. They can squeeze into tiny spaces and make themselves at home in your car. And once they're in they can chew through wires insulation and even plastic. This kind of damage isn't just annoying; it can be costly to fix. Imagine turning on your car and finding out that nothing works because a mouse decided to have a feast on your wiring!
So what can you do? First off try not to leave any food in your car. Even small crumbs can attract rodents. Also if you're not going to use your car for a while check it regularly. Look for signs of rodents like droppings or chewed materials.
Remember a little bit of prevention can save you a lot of trouble (and money) down the road. Keeping your car clean and checking it often are simple steps that can help keep those pesky rodents away. She suggests the following precautions:
- Make sure no food for pets or humans is left inside the vehicle.
- Check the car if it has not been driven for a week or more.
- Be mindful of any strange smells in the car and any dashboard warning light that refuses to disappear after a minute or two.
Car Insurance
When it comes to car insurance many people might not know that it covers damage caused by animals. That's right if a deer jumps out in front of your car or a squirrel decides to make a home under your hood your insurance can help with the costs.
However before you rush to file a claim it's smart to take a good look at the damage. Why? Because sometimes the cost to fix the car might be less than your insurance deductible. That's the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in.
So if the damage is minor it might be cheaper to handle it yourself rather than going through insurance. It's like when you get a small scratch on your phone screen – sometimes it's easier to just live with it than to pay for a costly repair. But if that deer caused a big dent then your insurance is there to help. It's all about weighing the costs and making a smart choice.
The number of car breakdowns caused by animals is on the rise and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. This can be a real headache for drivers because fixing the damage caused by these furry little intruders can cost a pretty penny.
As we head into the colder months it's even more of a concern. Why? Because animals just like us want to stay warm. And what better place than the cozy nooks and crannies of a car?
But don't worry there are ways to keep your car safe from these uninvited guests. The RAC which knows a thing or two about cars and breakdowns has some handy advice.
They suggest simple steps that can make a big difference. For example regularly checking under the hood for any signs of animal activity can be a game-changer. It's all about being proactive and keeping an eye out.
Remember prevention is key. Taking these small steps can save you from the hassle and expense of repairs later on. So as the temperature drops and our furry friends start looking for warm spots let's make sure our cars aren't on their list of go-to places. A little bit of caution and regular checks can go a long way in keeping your vehicle safe from animal-related breakdowns.
