Repairing rodent damage is only part of the conversation. Helping drivers reduce the risk of it happening again matters, too. In an article published by MOTOR on September 3, 2026, Ken Huening, inventor and CEO of CoverSeal, discusses how automotive repair shops can help customers recognize possible rodent activity and improve their vehicle-storage habits.
The contributed article, One of the Biggest Threats to Vehicles This Year May Be Rodents, connects prevention education with customer care. It is a perspective written by CoverSeal's CEO, not an independent product test or endorsement by MOTOR.
Read Ken Huening's full article on preventing rodent vehicle damage in MOTOR.
Look beyond the immediate repair
Huening's central message is that a repair does not change the environment where a vehicle is parked. If the conditions that attracted rodents remain, drivers may face the same problem again.
For repair shops, that creates an opportunity to discuss prevention when returning a vehicle to its owner. For drivers, it is a reminder to consider both the repaired components and the parking or storage setup.
Recognize signs that deserve inspection
The article discusses nesting debris, droppings, unusual odors, and damage to interior materials as possible indicators of rodent activity. It also notes that electrical problems can prompt an inspection for damaged wiring.
These symptoms are not a diagnosis by themselves. If you notice signs of animal activity or unexplained vehicle faults, have a qualified automotive professional assess the vehicle rather than assuming a single cause.
Reduce attractants around the vehicle
Huening encourages keeping vehicle interiors, garages, and carports free of food scraps and trash. He also discusses clearing fallen fruit and other potential food sources near parking areas.
The practical takeaway is to consider the area around the vehicle as part of a prevention plan, rather than relying on one accessory or one habit alone.
Consider a physical barrier as part of the plan
The MOTOR article discusses physical barriers and covers designed to limit rodent access when garage parking is not available. That approach is central to CoverSeal's patented Ground Seal and 360-degree weighted bottom, which are designed to help reduce the risk of rodents reaching a covered vehicle.
Fit, ground contact, and storage conditions matter. A cover is a risk-reduction measure, not a guarantee of exclusion. As Huening acknowledges in the original article, no method guarantees prevention of all rodent damage.
Read the complete contributed article
We're pleased to contribute to the automotive industry's conversation about prevention and customer education. For Huening's full perspective on identifying potential damage and discussing prevention with customers, visit the original article on MOTOR.
Source: Ken Huening, CEO of CoverSeal, MOTOR, September 3, 2026. Accessed November 6, 2026. This post summarizes selected themes in our own words. It does not reproduce the original article's statistics, insurance statements, promotional offer, or pest-control treatment recommendations.
