When you're driving, you've got a lot on your plate when it comes to worries. You have to worry about other drivers being unsafe, unpredictable pedestrians and bicycles, your own defensive driving skills... the list goes on and on. However, there may be things that you're worrying about that you don't have to, and that's where our Orlando Collision Center comes in.
Lots of people worry about pests in their cars. Ants can do a number on the interior and roaches are - to be frank - disgusting. But what about snakes? The advent of social media has brought multiple videos of people dealing with snakes in their cars (we literally shudder even thinking about it). Is it common? Could it happen to you? The Toyota of Orlando Collision Center is here to explain.
Yup, you can get a snake in your car (sorry)
The bottom line is, yes, you can get a snake in your car. Snakes like to hide, as we all know, so they can be both dry and out of the line of sight of predators. Additionally, a hiding spot allows them to be on the defensive so they can strike first before a predator gets them. A dark, enclosed engine bay that's easy to access is a perfect spot to curl up for a few days.
Additionally, snakes are cold-blooded and have to warm themselves with an external source, like the sun. A nice, warm engine bay from a just-used engine is probably their idea of heaven.
But before you freak out and swear off driving for the bike life, here are a few things to keep in mind:
It's rare to get a snake INSIDE your car, like inside the cabin. While the engine is relatively open, especially from the underneath, your car's cabin is not. For the most part, the cabin is sealed up and not accessible from the outside. We've all seen the video of the snake coming out of a car's air-conditioning vent, but it's highly unlikely that it came in through the HVAC system - this system is also sealed up and doesn't provide an entry point.
If a snake were to find its way into the cabin of your car, our Orlando Collision Center experts say it's because of a door or even a window left open. Snakes are excellent climbers and could easily make their way up the side of your car into the warm, dry cabin.
Toyota of Orlando Collision Center tips for dealing with a snake in your car
So what should you do if you find a snake in your car? Here are some tips from the experts at our Orlando Collision Center:
Don't try to grab it with your bare hands as it's in a defensive position and will likely be able to bite you before you get it. Instead, use a tool like a broom handle, a grabber, etc. to try and remove it from your car.
If that doesn't work, call animal control to remove the snake for you.
And no, you can't just leave a snake in your engine bay and hope it'll find its way out. There's a big chance it could become wrapped up in a belt or cause a fire inside the bay.
Have more questions about anything and everything automotive? Call the Toyota of Orlando Collision Center today! We're open and waiting at (407) 298-6006 and conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
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