Rodents getting into cars isn’t just some rare disaster – we see it all the time, especially here around Hamilton. Doesn’t make much difference if you’re parked up at The Base, or you’re squeezing into your driveway off Ruakura Road after a slog through afternoon traffic. We’ve had everything from Ford Focuses to Daihatsu Sirions and Volvos come in with chewed wires and nests under the bonnet. Rats and mice don’t care if it’s a Honda Crossroad or a Mercedes B-Class – if it’s warm, dry, and out of the rain, they’re in.
Keep Your Garage and Driveway Clear
If you’ve got a garage out in Gordonton or you’re parking under a makeshift carport in Dinsdale, clutter’s a magnet for pests. Old cardboard boxes, leftover building bits, that pile of bike gear you keep meaning to sort out – rodents love it all. Clearing out the junk makes it harder for them to hide, and you’re far more likely to spot any droppings or chewed rubbish before it starts costing you on car repairs.
Natural Repellents – Worth A Crack
We get a few folk from Morrinsville and Raglan swearing by peppermint oil. Dab some on cotton balls, chuck them around the engine bay and swap them out when the smell’s gone. Cedar chips are another favourite – works a treat without that harsh chemical whiff sitting in your car. If you’re after a natural fix, this one’s easy as.
Seal Up Those Gaps
Rodents can squeeze through gaps you’d miss. If you’re in a place with older garages like Melville or even a newer roller door in Rototuna, have a nosey. Any little holes or cracks along the concrete? Patch them with steel wool or proper sealant. Even tiny gaps can be a rodent’s red carpet. For a simple how-to and some diagrams, have a look at this rodent prevention guide.
Lift The Bonnet Every Now And Then
Nobody’s keen to do a full inspection every morning – especially if you’re just battling Cambridge Road roundabouts or out the door by 7am. But if your car’s been sitting for a bit, or you’ve noticed a funky smell, have a quick look under the bonnet. Finding grass, fluff, or chewed wires near the battery is a big red flag. Seen this just as much on a Subaru Exiga as on a Suzuki Swift. If you want a list of what to look for, check out this quick checklist.
Food Smells – Rodent Buffet
Hamilton winters mean plenty of hot pies and takeaways eaten on the go. If you’re grabbing noodles from Te Rapa or a snack on the run through Hillcrest, make sure you don’t leave wrappers or crumbs behind. Rodents sniff that lot out from miles away. Vacuum the car, empty the rubbish, and don’t leave bits of lunch in the back seat. If you spot a nest or droppings, give it a thorough clean. Here’s some cleaning tips if you need them.
Rodent-Proof The Wiring
Chewed wiring is a nightmare, and it’s more common with cars regularly parked outside, especially under the trees in Rotokauri or Tamahere. We had a customer with a new-shape Mitsubishi Outlander – ABS lights up, turns out a possum or rat had a munch. You can get special rodent-repellent tape (it’s got chilli extract in it) and wrap up key wires, especially on hybrids and newer models.
Why Bring It To Grimmer Motors?
Dealing with weird smells, chewed wiring, or just after some down to earth car advice? Swing past and have a yarn with us.
- Practical, No-Nonsense Advice: Straight Kiwi talk about NZ car problems – we won’t waffle you around.
- All Sorts Fixed: From classic Civics to weird import Estimas, WOF Hamilton, car service Hamilton, hybrid repair – we sort it all.
- Easy To Find: Handy to everywhere – whether you’re coming from Frankton, Rototuna, Te Awamutu or Matangi.
- Skilled Techs: Our technicians have seen just about every make and model, European, Asian, and everything between.
Want to keep rodents out, or just get your car checked over? Flick us a message, pop in, or book in below.