Soy Based Wiring Lawsuits – Update

As it has been a few years since I published “Does your car have soy based wiring?“, it is certainly time to provide some updates on the lawsuits that were mentioned in the article.

Back in February 2017, there were 6 class action lawsuits that had been filed against multiple different car manufacturers. These lawsuits claimed that the usage of soy based wiring (i.e. wiring that has a soy-based plastic coating covering the wires) is attracting rodents to chew on these wires and therefore, the car manufacturers should cover any damage to these wires by rodents under warranty.

Let’s take a look at where each of these lawsuits are now.

• Albert Heber vs. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. – Dismissed
• Janice Toler vs. Toyota Motor Corporation & Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. –Dismissed
• Daniel Dobbs et al. v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc., – Voluntary Dismissal
• Tsvetelin Tsonev v. Kia Motors America Inc. – Dismissed
• Darla Campbell, Tristin Hibler, and Michael Leppert, et. al., v. Kia Motors America, Inc. – Dismissed
• Michelle Martinez v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc. – Voluntary Dismissal

Welp, to be honest.. I’m not that surprised. Rodents getting into cars and chewing on wires has been a problem going back decades (i.e. many years prior to soy based wiring entering the scene). So, I could see how it could be difficult in the courts to prove that soy based wiring has increased the problem.

Whatever the case may be, all this means for us unlucky folk who have been attacked by the rodents is that the car manufacturers aren’t going to do jack for us and WE need to take matters into our own hands.

If you are currently dealing with rats or mice getting into the engine compartment of your car here is exactly what you need to do to resolve this problem.

Exactly How To Prevent Rats & Mice From Eating Your Car Wires

What you will need:

• Tomcat Rat Snap Traps (6 traps per car) – For Rats
• Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Traps (6 traps per car) – For Mice
• Rodent Defense (i.e. peppermint oil spray)
• Bright Light (4 Flashlights or 1 Shop Light)
• Optional: Fake Owl

Step 1: Leave Your Hood Up At Night

At the first sign of damage or rodent droppings in the engine compartment, it is essential to leave your hood up at night. You should do this for the first 1-2 weeks every night and then 2-3 times a week once you feel comfortable that there are no more rodents visiting your car. This essentially eliminates the engine compartment as a potential nesting grounds by taking away the warmth, allowing more moisture to enter, and exposing it to more light.

Step 2: Place Tomcat Rat Snap Traps (For Rats) or Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Traps (For Mice) on the Tread of the Front 2 Tires

You will need 6 snap traps total and 3 will be placed at specific locations on the tread of the front 2 tires. Here is video to show exactly where to place the snap traps.

When rodents enter the car, they climb up the tread of the tires so this essentially will block off the entrance to the car. I use the Tomcat Rat Snap Traps and the Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Traps because they are super easy to set (i.e. I don’t feel like I am going to lose a finger when I set them), their design makes it almost impossible for a rodent to take the bait without setting off the trap, and they get the job done!

Step 3: Spray Rodent Defense into the Engine Compartment

In the first 1-2 weeks, spray the engine compartment 3-4 times a week and then reduce to 2-3 times week once you haven’t noticed any new signs of rodents. Rodent Defense is an all natural peppermint spray that was specifically created to deter rodents from chewing on the wires in cars.  The purpose of the spray is to confuse the rodent on the safety of the engine compartment by making it more difficult to detect the scent of their urine. As mentioned above in the enemy profile, rodents use urine as a way to mark paths, locations, food, etc., as safe.

Step 4: Shine Bright Lights on the Tread of the Front Two Tires

As mentioned in the enemy profile, rodents always prefer to stay concealed and hate being in the light. The goal of this solution is to deter the rodent from climbing up the tread of the tires by forcing it to walk through a spotlight to get into the car. It would be best if you laid out 4 flashlights on the ground level and shined them on the front and backs of the tread (i.e. essentially you would shine them on the snap traps that are at the bases of the tread). Alternatively, you could take a shop light and shine that under the car at night.

(Optional) Step 5: Place Fake Owl on the Ground Near the Car

This is more the cherry on top, but I have always used a fake owl in my lineup. You can just place it at ground level and move to a different spot every few days. To be honest, it’s effectiveness is unknown, but it makes me feel more comfortable.”

I am certainly available if anyone has any questions or comments. Please drop a note below or visit the Contact Us page.

I hope that you have found this article to be helpful! Thank you!!

Rat King Dave

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