How do I retain squirrels out of my car or truck?

John Paul

December 23, 2020 | 5:17 PM

Q. Squirrels are receiving into my automobile and storing their acorns there. I lately had quite a few handfuls of acorns removed from the heater supporter at a cost of $121, which I do not want to repeat typically or at any time all over again. But I have since listened to a sounds that seems like acorns rolling about, so I guess the squirrels aren’t accomplished with me for the year. How can I stop this from continuing? I have read about the use of mothballs, but I really don’t genuinely know how or wherever to put them. Also, will not they build an dreadful smell inside of the vehicle?

A. Mothballs are not a good notion, since they are poisonous and rather stinky. You could attempt cloth softener dryer sheets tied less than the hood. Some other persons have experienced good luck with oil of spearmint, which is not toxic and smells pleasant. Some wildlife industry experts advise employing bitter apple spray or other spray-on animal repellents. I had an inventor on my radio program that formulated a motor vehicle protect that goes all the way to the ground and will preserve out rats and mice, which  should function for squirrels. It is a little bit bulky, but powerful. The item is referred to as Protect Seal. 

Q. I’m thinking of shopping for an electric powered scooter, probably for rapid journeys but also to hold in the back again of my SUV for emergencies. What do you know about e-scooters, and what do you believe of the idea? 

A. I have found e-scooters and rode a rental scooter, which was ok. I have found some that declare speeds of up to 50 miles for each hour with reasonably very long selection. The ordinary scooter in the $500-$1,000 vary would seem to have a array of about 25 miles and speeds of 15-20 miles for each hour. The velocity is much less of a worry than power/torque and variety. The thought of stopping from bigger speeds (40-50 miles per hour) on very small tires terrifies me. If I ended up to invest in an e-scooter, I would be seeking at selection, motor energy, all round bodyweight (under 45 pounds), and carrying capacity. I would also want a scooter with some type of suspension to sleek out the trip, as nicely as a first rate deck sizing for your feet.  

Q. I browse an article about caring for your windshield in which you were being quoted. The short article was very extensive about poor cleansing, wherever the writer talks about what not to do, but it did not go into what to do. How ought to you treatment for vehicle glass and proper cleaning? 

A. Here is the appropriate process to clear a windshield or any vehicle glass. Cleansing at intense temperatures is challenging (under zero or in excess of 90 levels can lead to problems with window cleaners). If the windshield is specifically soiled or covered with tree sap, thoroughly clean that initially. Less than normal situation start off cleansing with a high quality window cleaner (Mrs. Motor vehicle Health practitioner likes Sprayway or Stoner Invisible Glass). Use loads of paper towels. Once you are pleased with the consequence, go in excess of the window inside and out with a excellent microfiber fabric. The microfiber cloth will decide up any missed filmy residue. Recently a listener to my radio show proposed Windex Digital wipes. He claimed they did a wonderful occupation of eradicating the movie that builds up on the within of the windshield. I have not tried out those people wipes however. I have viewed some outlets buff the windshield with an electrical buffer and specialized polishing compound to eliminate accumulated grime, grit, and even light-weight scratches. To encourage the lifetime of the windshield, do not tailgate on the freeway. Subsequent other motor vehicles carefully encourages sandblasting of the glass.  

Q. My 2008 Toyota Highlander has 80,000 miles on it. It operates terrific except that there are two warning lights that utilized to transform off just after commencing, but now remain lit. I took it to the dealership’s services department for an 80,000-mile upkeep support and outlined the problems. I was explained to that the sensor for the VSC would price tag about $600 to substitute and that the Ab muscles could be a further high-priced deal with. I experienced full front and rear brakes replaced about 10 months back. What do you advocate should be done?

A. I suspect the difficulty is connected to a single of the wheel sensors for the anti-lock brake method. The anti-lock brake program, even though it operates with the common braking program, is not a little something that is serviced for the duration of a brake pad/shoe replacement. When one particular of the wheel sensors fails, it will disable the anti-lock brake system as nicely as the vehicle steadiness handle technique and, in some circumstances, the 4-wheel-push process. If this have been my auto, I would want to get it repaired so all the systems function as they ended up intended. This is specially the circumstance in winter. 

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Motor vehicle Medical professional. He has in excess of 40 several years of expertise in the automotive company and is an ASE-qualified master technician. E-mail your automobile problem to [email protected]. Listen to Motor vehicle Physician on the radio at 10 a.m. every Saturday on 104.9 FM or on-line at northshore1049.com.