Specific question for parking 2020 Bullitt outside for winter

[MartyM]

I'm planning to park my 2020 Mustang Bullitt (essentially a GT body wise) covered with a Ford OEM outdoor cover on my driveway.

I've read many postings with suggestions for rodent proofing and climatizing. As the question is specific, a little background. I live in a wooded area with several species of small rodents. My Toyota Highlander has been parked outdoors in winter for years and not had a rodent incursions. My nephew's 2022 Jeep left on his driveway was invaded after a few days. Not only were wires chewed, but the interior was poop infested. In essence I believe some cars are able to be rodent proofed while others are not.

One simple specific question will determine if I keep my beloved low mileage pristine car or sell it. The question, "If you’ve parked your Mustang outdoors for a couple of weeks or more, please respond if you've had rodent incursions or not?"

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[Skye]

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/winter-storage-and-mice-what-are-you-doing.206545/

This is a recent thread with some good feedback. It'll compliment anything received today.

 

[sk47]

Hello; if funds and space are available may i suggest looking into a CAR CAPSUEL. I cannot testify as I have not used one, so bear that in mind. They seem to be an answer to many storage issues including, I think, rodents.
An outdoors version is advertised. They run on a small fan which inflates the capsule. Are said to prevent mold due to air flow. best look up the specs to see if they are rodent proof.

 

[ORRadtech]

Your question is not very specific at all. You may as well ask will it suffer hail damage.
My house is surrounded on three sides by acres of woods and natural areas. I always have at least 2 vehicles parked outside. At any given time there is at least 1 parked for weeks at a time and one even sat under a cover for a couple of years straight. It's been this way for over 25 years. In all that time I've only had one instance of rodent incursion. I don't, and never have, taken any anti rodent precautions.
What I can't imagine is why would you consider selling something "beloved" because it "might" have a wire chewed?

 

[Bob Lob Law]

My car has never spent the night inside and have had 0 issues with rodents.

 

[RazzaRossa]

Check neighbors, maybe they are willing to rent an indoor garage space. No guarantee against rodents, but at least it'll be indoors.

 

[MartyM]

I've only had one instance of rodent incursion.
What I can't imagine is why would you consider selling something "beloved" because it "might" have a wire chewed?

As to my question, was the one incursion with a recent vintage Mustang.

I would hope you'd never have to imagine why my beloved car needs to go outside. My other beloved the past 42 years just developed a Drop Foot. Walking without falling is highly problematic. She needs to hold on to a cane and most often me or a wall etc . For balance and stability the garage wall and objects provided a hand hold. As the Mustang was in the garage she's had to walk 20 or more grueling steps to her car. From a humanity perspective I choose a living irreplaceable being over an inanimate object.

 

[MartyM]

My car has never spent the night inside and have had 0 issues with rodents.

Thank you. Please let me know the year and model Mustang and part of country?

 

[MartyM]

Check neighbors, maybe they are willing to rent an indoor garage space. No guarantee against rodents, but at least it'll be indoors.

I've looked at this and this not an option. Also looked at local storage. The 2 nearest are over 10 miles away. In addition they want a one year lease at $300/month at one shabby place and $500/month at a pristine facility that stores cars like Porsche, Ferrari etc.

 

[sk47]

Hello; I now understand more of the situation. A loved one with a medical condition needs to have her car closer so the Mustang has to go outside. A storage nice place is $500 /month. I get it. I do not know the actual cost of one of the outdoor CAR CAPSUELS but if money is an issue they may cost too much.
Dare i say that the Mustang is built like all other cars with respect to being in the weather. The Mustang can live outside same as most other cars can. That said i get why some want to treat their Mustang better than a daily driver.
I would be wary of a car cover on a car parked outside. The wind will move it around and may scuff the paint. Had that happen to a car i was restoring.

I had the wires chewed on my pickup. I now use peppermint oil, moth balls and dryer sheets but do not actually have proof they work. I use them anyway.

In another thread on nearly the same topic one fellow has a set of winter tires (or maybe all season?) and plans to drive his Mustang in winter except in snow. A car outside probably ought to be driven as often as weather allows.

 

[sk47]

I do not know the actual cost of one of the outdoor CAR CAPSUELS but if money is an issue they may cost too much.

Outdoor Car Capsule | Outdoor Car Storage & Car Cover
Hello; Depends on the length needed to determine the price. looks like maybe 18 foot may fit for just under $1000 from the company.

 

[Bob Lob Law]

Thank you. Please let me know the year and model Mustang and part of country?

It's a 2022 GT in SW Missouri.

 

[MartyM]

It's a 2022 GT in SW Missouri.

Thanks. This is comparable.

 

[ORRadtech]

As to my question, was the one incursion with a recent vintage Mustang.

I would hope you'd never have to imagine why my beloved car needs to go outside. My other beloved the past 42 years just developed a Drop Foot. Walking without falling is highly problematic. She needs to hold on to a cane and most often me or a wall etc . For balance and stability the garage wall and objects provided a hand hold. As the Mustang was in the garage she's had to walk 20 or more grueling steps to her car. From a humanity perspective I choose a living irreplaceable being over an inanimate object.

First, I'm saddened to hear of your wife's difficulties. It's kind of you to allow her the garage spot.
Your first post implies that your Mustang will be sold if it might be prone to having rodent damage. That is what I don't understand. Rodent damage is an act of nature and, as such, is unpredictable.
The recent Mustang is no more or less susceptible to rodent damage than any other recent vehicle. It's true that in decades past some manufacturers used wire insulation that rodents found attractive (GM & Honda I believe) I don't believe that is any longer the case.

 

[Geodudes550]

I normally keep mine parked in the garage but occasionally I’m lazy and will leave it in the driveway.

I have found kittens in my engine bay, on the mufflers, and hanging out on the front suspension.

If kittens can get there, I’m sure rodents can too. I hit the car alarm now before I start it so scare off any stowaways.

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