Woman's New Car Wiring Chewed by Rats, Repairs Cost $2,000

A Ford Explorer owner recently shared her frustrating experience on TikTok: rodents had crawled into the engine bay of her nearly new vehicle, chewing through multiple wiring harnesses and resulting in a $2,000 repair bill. She said her mechanic recommended placing dryer sheets in the engine compartment to repel rodents, which she has since done. However, experts caution that while dryer sheets emit scents that may temporarily deter rodents, their effectiveness is limited and requires frequent replacement. More seriously, online commenters warned that dryer sheets could become dislodged due to engine vibrations, potentially getting caught in belts or even causing a fire. In reality, rodents chew on wires as part of their natural instinct to wear down their continuously growing teeth, and the warm, sheltered environment inside vehicles makes them highly attractive nesting spots. Professionals recommend keeping vehicles clean, using ultrasonic rodent repellents, or applying specialized rodent deterrents—rather than relying on dryer sheets. According to statistics, 29% of vehicle owners across the U.S. have experienced similar rodent-related damage.