Automobile Maintenance

Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake and power-steering fluids, and fuels are but a few of the pollutants cars contribute to storm water pollution. If improperly maintained, cars leak these fluids onto streets, parking lots and driveways. When it rains, these fluids are carried to storm drains and ultimately to the nearest waterway.

All of these fluids contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life, and humans.   You can control many of these fluids by maintaining your vehicle regularly, and repairing any leaks immediately.

If you choose to maintain your automobile at home, make sure to collect any unwanted oil and dispose of it properly. Many auto parks stores will take your used oil and recycle it for free.

Clean up spills quickly with rags or other absorbent materials like kitty litter. If you have a leaking car, place a drip pan, a piece of cardboard, or a remnant carpet under the leak to capture it while you make repairs. Remember, washing spills down the street is illegal. Please do not dump unwanted fluids in the grass, street or directly into the stormwater drainage system.

As an alternative to washing your car on a driveway where soapy water could flow into the storm drain, wash your car on a lawn or unpaved surface and use non-toxic or biodegradable cleaning products. Dispose of leftover water in a toilet or sink, not on the street, in a storm drain, or on the ground.

It is recommended that you choose to wash your vehicles at commercial car washes that recycle water and use repair shops that implement environmentally sound practices.

Remember, it is illegal to maintain your vehicle in the street, and it is illegal to dump oil or other automobile fluids into the stormwater drainage system. All automobile fluids must be stored under a cover or in watertight containers. All hazardous waste, which includes auto fluids, must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection facility or recycled at a certified collection center if appropriate.