The Preventive Tap
The solution is as simple as it is effective. Before getting in the car, give the hood a few firm taps with the flat of your hand. Not so hard that you dent it, but hard enough to create vibrations and noise in the engine bay. This startles any sleeping animal and gives it a chance to escape via the wheel arch.
If you want to be extra sure, wait a few seconds after tapping or briefly honk the horn before starting the engine. It may be a primitive method in an age of high-tech sensors, but it’s the only way to be certain you’re not unintentionally ending an animal’s life—or destroying your own engine. For those who frequently have problems with martens, there are more advanced solutions such as ultrasonic repellents or electric contact plates, but the free tap on the hood remains the first line of defense.
It may sound like superstition, but any mechanic who has had to remove the sad remains of an animal from an engine bay will confirm that this ritual is a bitter necessity. It prevents animal suffering, saves a lot of mess, and protects your wallet from unnecessary expenses.