Storm Drains
Learn where storm drains lead and how everyday actions can help keep pollution out of local waterways.
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Vehicle Maintenance
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Take care of your vehicle while protecting local waterways
Working on your own vehicle can save money and help keep your car running safely. However, used fluids, leaking parts and dirty wash water can also create pollution if they are not handled properly.By maintaining your vehicle carefully, cleaning up spills the right way and disposing of used fluids and parts responsibly, you can help keep harmful pollutants out of storm drains and local waterways.
Maintain Your Vehicle Responsibly
Routine maintenance can help prevent leaks, spills and other issues before they become bigger problems for your car or the environment.
Vehicle maintenance tips:
- If you discover spots in your driveway, or find that your fluids must be refilled between services, make repairs right away and use a drip pan to catch any leaks until repairs are made
- Place large drip pans under wrecked cars until all fluids are drained
- Change your oil away from storm drains and have old rags or cat litter available to respond in case of a spill
- Check radiator hoses when changing your oil
- Inspect your vehicle at the first sign of a coolant leak
- Deliver used coolant to an auto parts store or hazardous waste collection facility and never dump it down household drains
Clean Up Spills Safely
Vehicle fluids should never be washed into the street, driveway or storm drain. Use dry cleanup methods whenever possible to keep pollutants contained.
Cleanup tips:
- Clean up leaks with a broom and dry absorbent materials, such as cat litter
- Do not wash leaked fluids down garage or driveway surfaces into the street or storm drain
- Use a commercial car wash when possible, since facilities recycle water and send dirty wash water to the wastewater system instead of storm drains
- If washing your car at home, wash on grass or gravel when possible so water can soak in and filter through the ground
- If washing on pavement, use soap sparingly, minimize runoff with a hose nozzle or bucket and sponge, and empty dirty wash water into a sink or toilet instead of onto the driveway
Dispose of Used Fluids and Parts Properly
Used oil, coolant, vehicle fluids and batteries should be handled through proper disposal programs. Do not pour used coolant down household drains because it contains chemicals that may cause problems for wastewater treatment plants.
Take used oil, fluids and batteries to an auto parts store or household hazardous waste collection facility for proper disposal.
Give Old Vehicles a Second Life
When it’s time for a new vehicle, give your old one a second life through donation. Donate your car, truck, or motorcycle to a charitable organization such as Virginia Wheels for Wishes, Goodwill or the Purple Heart Foundation. Most organizations also accept boats, campers and RVs.
Donating a vehicle can extend its usefulness while supporting a good cause and reducing waste.
Related Links
Preventing Stormwater Pollution
Learn how to keep leaves, litter, chemicals and other pollutants out of storm drains and local waterways.
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Washing Your Car
Learn how washing your car the right way can reduce runoff pollution and help protect local storm drains and waterways.
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Water Conservation
Learn simple ways to save water indoors and outdoors while supporting reliable water resources across Hampton Roads.
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