Vehicles

You may be surprised at how much your car care habits affect water quality. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent your automobile from being a source of water pollution.

Vehicle maintenance

  • Routinely check your vehicle for leaks and keep it tuned up.
  • Never pour automobile fluids down a storm drain or onto the ground.
  • Don’t leave chemicals or fluids out in the open or where they can get wet.
  • If you spill fluids, contain them quickly with rags or kitty litter.
  • Dispose of spills and used fluids at hazardous waste collection sites. (Check with your local government’s solid waste department for locations.)
  • Used oil and oil filters can be recycled at local hazardous waste collection sites and many auto parts stores for free.

Vehicle washing

  • Wash your vehicle only when needed and never during a water shortage.
  • Take your vehicle to a commercial wash where the water is recycled, reused, and/or treated.
  • When washing your vehicle at home, use a hose with a shutoff nozzle and use detergents sparingly. Wash where the runoff goes to a vegetated area. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents. When done, dump the wash bucket in the toilet, not the yard.

Drive less

  • Join a carpool, walk, use public transportation, or ride a bike. Cars give off exhaust, particles, and fluids that become water pollutants when they reach waterways.

Additional Resources

Find a household hazardous waste collection program in your area

Contact your local government’s solid waste department

Learn about environmentally sound vehicle maintenance

More information on environmentally sound vehicle washing