Rats Wrecking Rides: RAC Declares 2023 the “Year of the Rat”
The RAC has crowned 2023 the “unofficial year of the rat” after revealing shocking rises in rodent-related car breakdowns. These pesky critters have gnawed their way into vehicles nationwide, causing big trouble and even bigger repair bills for drivers.
Rodent Damage Breakdowns Up 55%
According to RAC stats, breakdowns caused by rodents shot up 55% — from 196 incidents in the first 11 months of 2018 to a staggering 303 in the same period this year. This surge is even sharper during autumn, with a 66% jump in incidents linked to seasonal changes over the last five years.
Rats Are the Main Culprits – But Foxes and Others Join In
Rats are behind 51% of animal-related vehicle damage, chewing through fuel hoses, wiring, headlights, and engine parts. Foxes also cause havoc, munching on speed sensor cables, wiper blades, and brake hoses.
Experts warn that food left inside or near unused cars is a magnet for these rodents. Pet food bags stored in garages lure mice and rats, while oils and waxes with peanut and soy blends on engine parts attract them like moths to a flame.
Rodents Love Warm, Untouched Cars
Stationary cars become perfect rodent hideouts. RAC patrols have found squirrels stashing food in air filters and mice nesting under windscreen panels. The strangest case involved a baby pet python nesting near a car’s brakes, attracted by the heat.
Alister Hughes, an RAC patrol member in Cornwall, said, “I once saw a curious cat disconnect a Peugeot van battery while exploring under the bonnet.”
How to Protect Your Car from Rodents
Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson, advises:
- Check your vehicle if it hasn’t been driven recently, especially after a week or more.
- Never leave food inside the car or near it.
- Store pet food in airtight containers or metal bins in garages.
- Watch for unusual smells or dashboard warning lights that stick around.
Simpson added, “If you spot nibbled cables, clogged air filters, or damaged bulbs, get in touch with a reputable mobile mechanic or use the RAC’s Approved Garage Network for repairs. Insurance usually covers animal damage, but check your policy before claiming as some damages might be minor.”
Car owners should stay vigilant during colder months when animals seek warm shelters — or face costly damage from these unwelcome automotive squatters.
