Specific question for parking 2020 Bullitt outside for winter

[MartyM]

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

This is the most direct answer to the question. It says there are incursion points.

At this point there are options:

1. Take chance of problems leaving 2020 Bullitt covered on driveway for the Winter.
2. Remove cover every few days and run engine for a while. Attaching cover is somewhat tedious as a one man job.
3. Sell car. If car parking logistics improve purchase a new GT. Actually been hoping a hybrid Mustang GT becomes available as my current monster Highlander has plenty of power and gets a real 33 MPG. Although I'm 77 and no problem shifting the 6 speed, there will be a point an automatic transmission will also be advantageous.

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[Bobn57]

My 2021 GT/CS has sat outside and covered for most winters since new with no rodent issues. I live in a suburban area with plenty of small critters. Knock on wood it stays this way. Last time I had issues was with 70 Torino Cobra back in 1989. A possum decided to nest in the engine bay and chewed up wiring.

 

[Skye]

Remove cover every few days and run engine for a while. Attaching cover is somewhat tedious as a one man job.

My preference would be not to do this.

- Uncovering and re-covering, long-term, increases the potential to scratch and mar the paint

- A warm engine welcomes critters

- Running the engine statically like that, for brief periods, increases the accumulated moisture and acids, weakening the existing oil

For any critter, I have not read of any one thing to deter them. It's often a combination of things. A layered defense. One common theme is strong smells (mints, mothballs, dryer sheets). Changing these scents often (it'll vary by environ conditions) to maintain that strong smell while moving them around could be worthwhile. Room deodorants and carpet deodorants; some of those can also be very strong.

Edit,

As others have mentioned, setting traps at the perimeter could do a few things:

- Act as your initial layer of defense

- Help you identify how common those varmints are in your location

 

[Postal Bob]

My GT350 has been stored outside in my backyard, next to my firewood racks for years, and never a problem. But I've headed off any potential rodent problem by placing poison bait traps all around the area, end of summer/beginning of fall. And keep them out all winter.

 

[gsxr1300]

Do you have summer only tires on the car?

 

[sk47]

How to Prevent Rats from Eating Your Car Wires – Lets get them RATS!
Hello; found this moments ago. I may try some of the tips.

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