From Oil Pans to Kitty Litter: How Home Mechanics Make a Difference
June 7, 2019
Summer is here! Getting your car ready for summer fun may include oil changes, car repairs or an overdue car wash. Maintenance is important for your car but how you do your car maintenance is also important for our water quality.
How are Car Maintenance and Water Quality Related?
Unlike the water in our sewer system, water that ends up in our storm drains is not treated and goes directly to our waterways. Oil, car wash soap, coolant, or brake fluid from your car can end up in storm drains and pollute our ocean, rivers and creeks. Every car maintained with this in mind can make a difference for our waterways. A healthy ocean means safe summer fun for all Orange County residents and marine life.
Join the Ranks of Great Home Mechanics!
You can help prevent and stop runoff pollution. Join the many Orange County home mechanics preventing pollution by taking these actions:
Preventing Pollution
- Conduct your car repairs in your garage or other covered area. This blocks rain or wind from moving possible pollutants from your work site.
- Work on water resistant surfaces while repairing your car. Water resistant surfaces like concrete make it easier to clean up spills and stop pollutants from leaving your worksite.
- Keep kitty litter, hand towels and oil pans handy to prevent and capture spills.
- When washing your car, use biodegradable soap, or phosphate free or water-based cleaners.
- Store your car fluids and oil indoors to keep any unnoticed spills from seeping into the ground or our waterways.
Stopping Pollution
- If you notice your car leaking fluids, place an oil pan under your car to capture the fluids until your car can be repaired.
- Recycle used oil by placing it in the original oil container and taking it to your nearest oil recycling center.
- Wash your car over a permeable surface such as your grass or gravel to allow the water to filter into the soil.
Resources for Your Water Wise Toolbox
- Most certified oil recycling centers will accept up to five gallons of oil at a time. To locate the nearest certified oil recycling location, check here.
- For more examples and tips on car maintenance, read the Home Mechanics pamphlet here.
