 Your
Car’s Tailpipe Isn’t the Only Source of Auto Pollution.
The phrase “auto
pollution” often brings to mind an old car with smoke
billowing out the tailpipe. In reality, old cars are only part
of the problem. There are many ways all cars contribute
pollution to our watershed – and they can be prevented!
Washing, changing oil, leaking fluids and engine cleaning all
contribute to the pollution problem.
Auto fluids and
particles from brake pad and tire wear build up on our
driveways, streets and parking lots every day. During
rainstorms, rainwater carries the oil, antifreeze, brake pad
dust and other pollutants into the storm drain system and
flows directly to local creeks and San Francisco Bay, where it
can harm plants and animals that live there. Oil and grease
can clog fish gills and block oxygen from entering the water.
Pollutants from cars are toxic to the internal systems of fish
and animals, and can also break down the oil on bird feathers
making it more difficult for them to float and repel water.
How
You Can Help Reduce Auto Pollution:
Keep
car wash water out of storm drains – Washing your car
in the driveway, street or carport can carry detergents, oil,
brake dust, metals and other chemicals to the storm drain that
leads directly to local creeks and the Bay. Wash your car in
an unpaved area or better yet, take it to a commercial car
wash. Clean brake dust off wheels with paper towels and
dispose of the towels in the trash. Click
here to download the Watershed Watch Discount Card
to get discounts at local car washes. Click here for information in English, and
Click here for information in Vietnamese, Chinese and
Spanish.
Fix
fluid leaks immediately – If you see a build up
of fluids on your parking spot, place a plastic tarp or drip
pan underneath your car until you repair the leak. Dispose of
the fluid and plastic tarp/drip pan at your local Household
Hazardous Waste collection center.
Change
your oil on time – The longer engine oil is used,
the thinner it gets. Leaks are more likely and exhaust
emissions are increased.
Do
it yourselfers, do it right – If you change your
own oil or other automotive fluids, drain fluid into a drain
pan. Use a funnel to pour fluid into a plastic container and
recycle the used fluids with your local curbside recycling
pickup, or through the Household Hazardous Waste
collection center. Never drain or pour any auto fluid
onto the street or into a storm drain.
Clean
engines properly – Engine cleaners contain
degreasers that contain highly toxic solvents that are
dangerous to work with and harmful to our watershed. Read
labels carefully before you buy. Avoid products containing
naphtha, nonylphenol ethozylate, trichloroethane or
trichloroethylene. Try limonene, a citrus-based solvent. Use
rags instead of water to clean your engine. Don’t allow wash
water to go onto pavement, or into the storm drain or street.
Carpool
or use alternative forms of transportation when possible.
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