Drivers: Green Car Care

Friday, 29 February 2008

One of the best ways to reduce the pollution associated with your car is to use it less. Try to link trips when running errands to avoid multiple outings. When possible, make an effort to arrange carpools or use public transportation. Or, use your bike to get around in beautiful San Diego!

Maintenance is the Key

Regardless of how much you use your car, it is essential to keep it in good condition. Even in small amounts, oil, gas, and antifreeze can be detrimental to aquatic life. You can easily prevent these materials from entering storm drains by properly maintaining your car and by being cautious when handling and storing these fluids.

Maintain your car with regular tune-ups. If you notice any fluid dripping from your car or see dark stains on the ground where you park, have the leak repaired as soon as possible.

When changing your fluids, use a drip pan. If fluids are spilled, immediately contain them with sawdust, kitty litter, or a rag. The saturated waste should then be disposed of at a local household hazardous waste collection facility.

When washing your car, consider options that will reduce the amount of water flowing into the storm drain. At home, use a bucket or a hose with a shutoff nozzle to conserve water. Never leave the hose running! Choose a biodegradable soap and use it sparingly, and consider washing your car on an absorbent surface such as the lawn or gravel to minimize runoff. Also, use a damp paper towel or soft cloth to clean your hubcaps. The fine black dust that collects there contains copper and zinc, which is very toxic to aquatic life if it is washed into the storm drain. If you go to a car wash, be sure that you have chosen one that recycles water.