Ford Aims to Out-Web Spiders with New Shield

Ford Motor Co. has developed a new shield to prevent spiders from nesting in a vehicle's fuel system.

Cavities in fuel vapor line openings are an enticing spot for yellow sac spiders in North America to lay eggs and cocoon during the winter, Ford notes. But spider webs located in this area can block evaporative canister vent lines and reduce fuel-tank pressure.

Spider webs also can cause leaks and cracks, and otherwise deteriorate performance. The problem has forced several carmakers to issue recalls in recent years.

Ford plans to install the new shield throughout its U.S. vehicle fleet for 2016. The company also will spread the feature to global vehicles, starting with the all-new 2016 Ford Focus RS small sport sedan.