# Rats

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/rats/14553>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [May 28, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rats/14553 "2008-05-28T02:59:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rats/14553/1 "2008-05-28T02:59:42Z")

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Rats have been making their way under the hood of my car and chewing on wires to the tune of $500 for repairs each time. How can I prevent this? I park on the street in New York City.

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**Author:** ![Charleyhorse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@Charleyhorse](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Charleyhorse)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2008, 5:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rats/14553/2 "2008-05-28T05:09:14Z")

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I have a similar problem and the best solution I have come up with is to tie scented dryer sheets on hoses and wires in the engine compartment. I believe the antifreeze would just end up spilled on your engine, making it even more tasty to rodents.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2008, 10:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rats/14553/3 "2008-05-28T10:25:32Z")

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There is a spray designed for this (rodent chewing, not particularly cars). I don’t know how effective it really is. I have seen it in garden centers and pet shops.