How to Prevent Rats from Damaging Your Car Using Car-Lungi

Rat damage to cars is one of the most frustrating problems faced by Indian vehicle owners. A single night can result in chewed wires, damaged insulation, and repair bills running into thousands of rupees. Car-lungi offers an effective, portable solution to this persistent problem. This guide will show you exactly how to use Car-lungi to protect your vehicle completely.

Understanding the Rat Problem

Before we dive into the solution, it's important to understand why rats target cars and how Car-lungi addresses these specific behaviors.

Why Rats Enter Cars

• Warmth: Engine bays retain heat long after the car is switched off, making them attractive during cold nights
• Shelter: The undercarriage and engine compartment provide excellent protection from predators and weather
• Nesting: Rats seek enclosed spaces to build nests, especially during breeding seasons
• Food: Residual food smells in the cabin attract rodents who then find their way through the engine bay
• Teeth grinding: Rats need to constantly gnaw to keep their teeth sharp and short, making wires perfect targets

Most Vulnerable Entry Points

Rats primarily enter through:

• Gaps between the car body and ground (where tires meet the road)
• Wheel wells and suspension areas
• Engine bay openings near the radiator
• Air intake vents and grilles
• Underneath the car through the exhaust system area

Car-lungi creates a 360° barrier around all these entry points, forming an impenetrable steel wall between the ground and your car's vulnerable areas.

Getting Started with Car-Lungi

Choosing the Right Size

Car-lungi comes in three standard sizes. Selecting the correct size is crucial for effectiveness:

• Hatchback (₹8,990): For cars with perimeter ≤ 40 feet and height 20-24 inches (Maruti Swift, Hyundai i10, Tata Tiago)
• Sedan/Compact SUV (₹9,990): For cars with perimeter ≤ 42 feet and height 24-30 inches (Honda City, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Dzire)
• SUV/MUV (₹10,990): For cars with perimeter ≤ 44 feet and height 30 inches (Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra XUV700, Innova Crysta)

What's Included

Your Car-lungi package includes:

• GI-sheet steel skirt with 360° edge beading
• Inner foam lining for paint protection
• Lock strap with buckle for secure fastening
• Carry strap for easy transportation and storage
• Installation guide

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Initial Setup (First Time Use)

Step 1: Unroll and Inspect

• Find a clear, flat area near where you'll be parking
• Carefully unroll the Car-lungi completely
• Inspect the foam lining to ensure it's evenly distributed
• Check that the lock strap is properly attached

Step 2: Clean Your Car's Lower Body

• Wipe down the lower part of your car's body where the foam will touch
• Remove any dust, mud, or debris to prevent scratches
• Pay special attention to the area around the wheels
• This step is crucial for the first few uses; later, a quick wipe is sufficient

Step 3: Position Car-Lungi

• Place the unrolled Car-lungi alongside your car, starting from the driver's side
• The foam side should face inward (toward the car)
• Leave about 6-8 inches of overlap at the starting point

Daily Installation (Regular Use)

Once you're familiar with the process, installing Car-lungi takes less than 60 seconds:

Step 1: Positioning (15 seconds)

• Unroll Car-lungi beside your parked car
• Start from any convenient point along the car's side
• Ensure the foam side faces the car

Step 2: Wrapping (30 seconds)

• Gently lift the Car-lungi and curve it around the front of the car
• Keep it close to the ground, ensuring maximum contact
• Continue wrapping around the entire perimeter
• The GI sheet should hug the car's body, following its contours
• Maintain consistent height from the ground (no more than 1 cm gap)

Step 3: Securing (15 seconds)

• When you complete the circle, overlap the ends by 6-8 inches
• Feed the lock strap through both overlapping sections
• Pull tight and fasten the buckle securely
• Give it a gentle tug to ensure it's properly locked

Quality Check After Installation

Take 30 seconds to verify proper installation:

1. Ground Contact: Walk around the car and check that Car-lungi sits flush against the ground with no gaps larger than 1 cm
2. Overlap Security: Ensure the overlap is at least 6 inches and the strap is tightly fastened
3. Height Uniformity: The top edge should maintain consistent distance from the ground all around
4. Foam Contact: Verify the foam lining is touching your car's body, not the bare metal edge
5. No Obstructions: Make sure the Car-lungi isn't caught on any stones, debris, or uneven ground

Best Practices for Maximum Protection

Optimal Parking Surface

Car-lungi works best on:

• Smooth concrete: Provides the best seal against the ground
• Flat paved surfaces: Ensures uniform contact all around
• Level parking spots: Prevents gaps on sloped areas

On uneven surfaces:

• Use small wedges or rolled cloth to fill gaps where the ground dips
• Ensure no single gap exceeds 1-2 cm
• Pay extra attention to areas behind the wheels where ground levels may vary

Weather Considerations

During Monsoon:

• Car-lungi is completely waterproof, so rain is not a concern
• However, ensure proper drainage so water doesn't accumulate between Car-lungi and the ground
• If parking in standing water, slightly elevate or choose a drier spot if possible

In Summer Heat:

• GI sheet is heat-resistant and won't degrade in high temperatures
• The material may become warm to touch in direct sunlight—use the carry strap when removing
• Store in shade when not in use to extend foam lifespan

During Winter:

• Rats are especially active in winter seeking warmth—be extra vigilant
• Cold temperatures make the GI sheet slightly stiffer but still fully functional
• The foam lining remains effective in all temperatures

Parking Duration Guidelines

• Short-term parking (1-4 hours): Use Car-lungi if in a known rat-prone area
• Overnight parking: Always use Car-lungi—this is prime rat activity time
• Extended parking (2+ days): Essential to use Car-lungi as rats actively seek sheltered vehicles
• Storage (weeks/months): Use Car-lungi along with additional deterrents in the cabin (peppermint oil, ultrasonic devices)

Maintenance and Care

Daily Maintenance

Car-lungi requires minimal daily maintenance:

• Before rolling up: Shake off any loose dirt, leaves, or debris
• Visual inspection: Check for any damage or wear (takes 10 seconds)
• Proper storage: Roll tightly and use the carry strap to keep it compact
• Dry storage: Keep in your car's trunk or in a dry area

Weekly Maintenance

• Deep cleaning: Wipe down both sides with a damp cloth
• Foam check: Inspect the inner foam for any signs of compression or detachment
• Edge beading: Ensure the beading remains intact and rigid
• Lock strap: Check that the buckle functions properly

Monthly Maintenance

• Thorough cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water, rinse, and dry completely
• Rust check: Inspect for any signs of rust (rare with proper GI coating)
• Foam condition: Apply foam cleaner if needed to maintain elasticity
• Storage assessment: Ensure your storage location is dry and away from sharp objects

Combining Car-Lungi with Other Prevention Methods

While Car-lungi provides excellent protection against entry from below, combining it with other methods creates a comprehensive defense system:

Inside the Cabin

• Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place under seats (rats dislike the smell)
• No food residue: Keep the interior completely food-free
• Ultrasonic devices: Battery-powered devices create frequencies rats find unpleasant
• Cedar sachets: Natural deterrent that smells pleasant to humans

Engine Bay Protection

• Hood light: Some owners leave a small LED light on when parked (rats prefer darkness)
• Regular inspection: Check weekly for any signs of droppings or nesting materials
• Engine bay cleaning: Remove leaves, debris, and food wrappers that might attract rats

Parking Area Management

• Cleanliness: Keep your parking area free of trash and food waste
• Lighting: Rats prefer dark areas—well-lit parking reduces activity
• Vegetation control: Trim bushes and grass where rats might nest
• Seal entry points: If parking in a garage, seal any holes in walls or doors

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Gap Between Ground and Car-Lungi

Cause: Uneven parking surface or improper installation

Solution:

• Identify where gaps appear
• Use a rolled towel or rubber wedge to fill significant depressions in the ground
• Ensure Car-lungi sits as low as possible during installation
• If consistent gaps occur, consider requesting a custom size with greater height

Issue: Lock Strap Loosens Overnight

Cause: Insufficient overlap or strap not fully tightened

Solution:

• Increase overlap to 8-10 inches
• Pull strap firmly before fastening
• Double-check the buckle is fully engaged
• If the strap itself is worn, contact customer service for replacement

Issue: Foam Lining Leaves Marks on Car

Cause: Dirt or debris trapped between foam and car body

Solution:

• Clean the lower car body before each use
• Wipe down the foam lining regularly
• Ensure no sharp particles are embedded in the foam
• If marks persist, they're likely just dust—use car polish to remove

Issue: Difficult to Roll/Unroll

Cause: Improper rolling or storage in damp conditions

Solution:

• Always roll Car-lungi tightly and uniformly
• Store in a dry location
• If it becomes stiff, wipe down and let it sit unrolled for 15 minutes before rerolling
• Use the carry strap to keep it rolled tightly when stored

Advanced Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

For High-Risk Areas

If you park in areas with severe rat infestation:

• Double coverage at vulnerable points: Pay extra attention to the front grille area by ensuring the overlap happens in this zone
• Elevate awareness: Inspect your car more frequently—every 2-3 days instead of weekly
• Community effort: Encourage neighbors to use rat protection too—reducing the overall rat population benefits everyone
• Report infrastructure issues: If rats are entering from open drains or garbage collection points, report to local authorities

For Multiple Vehicle Households

• If you have two similar-sized cars, one Car-lungi can work for both (use on the most vulnerable vehicle each night)
• For different sized vehicles, consider getting two Car-lungis of appropriate sizes
• Vehicles parked outdoors need more protection than those in garages—prioritize accordingly

For Extended Parking (Vacations, Business Trips)

When leaving your car parked for extended periods:

1. Install Car-lungi as usual
2. Place peppermint oil-soaked cloths inside the cabin
3. Disconnect the battery if parking for more than a month
4. If possible, have someone check on the car weekly
5. Consider covered parking or at least partially shaded areas

Real Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Car-Lungi on all types of vehicles?

Yes, Car-lungi works on hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and MUVs. For unusual vehicles like sports cars or vans, contact customer service for custom sizing.

How long does installation really take?

With practice, most users complete installation in 45-60 seconds. First-time users might take 2-3 minutes, which is still much faster than any alternative solution.

What if it rains while Car-Lungi is installed?

No problem! Car-lungi is completely waterproof. Just ensure proper drainage so water doesn't pool underneath.

Can I leave Car-Lungi on while driving?

No, never drive with Car-lungi installed. It's designed for stationary parked vehicles only. Always remove before starting the engine.

Will Car-Lungi work if I have aftermarket body kits or modifications?

Usually yes, but contact customer service with photos of your modifications. They can advise on sizing or customization needs.

Conclusion: Your Action Plan

Protecting your car from rat damage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With Car-lungi and the practices outlined in this guide, you can achieve complete protection in under a minute each day. Here's your action plan:

1. Order the right size Car-lungi for your vehicle
2. Practice installation 2-3 times to get comfortable with the process
3. Make it a habit—install every time you park overnight or in vulnerable areas
4. Maintain regularly—a quick wipe-down and inspection takes minimal time
5. Combine with cabin deterrents for comprehensive protection
6. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is protected from costly rat damage

The few seconds you invest in using Car-lungi daily can save you thousands in repairs and the frustration of dealing with rat-damaged vehicles. Start protecting your car today!