Avoid Marten Damage: These Tricks Protect Your Car

Insulation mats, hoses, and cables are particularly appealing to these otherwise quite cute-looking predators. Such a marten meal can have very unpleasant consequences for car owners.

Why Do Martens Damage Cars?

Martens simply feel comfortable in the often still warm engine compartment. Martens are also territorial creatures: they mark cars with scent marks to make them their territory. If the vehicle is then parked in the territory of another marten, this one often reacts indignantly and tries to remove the competitor's scent. The method of choice: furious biting attacks on the marked parts. Therefore, vehicles that are often parked in different places are most affected. The fact that martens are particularly active from March to late summer is due to the mating season, which makes territorial fights even more intense.

A Marten Bite Can't Be That Bad, Can It?

It depends: The effects of a marten bite often only become apparent when consequential damage has already been done, and these can be significantly worse than chewed cables and hoses. The consequences range from harmless problems like a defective ignition cable to costly and dangerous defects such as damage to the drive and axle joints or even engine damage.

And although electric cars are actually quite well protected due to their underbody and engine compartment coverings, it can be particularly bitter if the animals break through these barriers: Damaged high-voltage cables must not be repaired for safety reasons, and if the entire cable set has to be replaced, it can become really expensive.

What Can Be Done About Marten Bites?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure. The top priority is to be vigilant: If you discover suspicious paw, droppings, or hair traces, you should regularly check under the hood and, in case of strong suspicion, have an engine wash done.

Preventive measures are:

A Marten Has Gnawed on My Vehicle. What Should I Do?

After repairs, it is important to remove the scent marks to prevent another attack. A professional engine wash is recommended.

(Red)

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