Halderman:
You are correct, Tom, that many vehicle manufacturers are now using soy-based wiring insulation. The reason is the European Union has mandated that the vehicle manufacturer, not the owner of the vehicle, is responsible for the “end-of-life” disposal of the vehicle. Plastic wiring insulation is very difficult to separate from the copper wiring, so plant-based materials are used instead.
To help prevent rodent damage, try the following suggestions:
- Avoid parking a vehicle in a closed space where there is also pet food. Once a rodent gets access to a food source, they go looking for other foods in the area.
- Store dog or cat food, as well as bird seed, in a different area from where the vehicle is parked.
- Try using an electronic device that emits a sound only the rodent can hear to keep them away from the vehicle.
- Place dryer sheets inside the vehicle and several places under the hood. These have a pleasant odor to people, but rodents don't like the smell and will not stay around.
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