Maintaining your vehicle

Have a leaky vehicle? Even a single drop on your driveway can mean a shorter lifespan for your car. Leaks are the largest polluters of Puget Sound, so letting your vehicle leak has a major impact on the health of our local waters. Whether you're driving in a leaky vehicle or doing any maintenance in your driveway or street, you should understand what's legal and what's not.

What the law says

Here's what Bothell Municipal Code 18.04.260 says about auto fluids going down our storm drains:

"It shall be prohibited and in violation of this chapter for any person or entity to: 

A. Throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause or allow others under its control to throw, drain or otherwise discharge into the municipal storm drain system and/or surface and ground waters any materials other than storm water. Examples of prohibited contaminants include but are not limited to the following:

...3. Petroleum products including but not limited to oil, gasoline, grease, fuel oil and heating oil.
 4. Antifreeze and other automotive products.
 5. Metals in either particulate or dissolved form."

So what does that mean? 

It means you can't knowingly let auto fluids leak from your vehicle onto the street. If you know you have a leaky vehicle or are doing maintenance, always use or drop cloth or an appropriate container under your vehicle when it's parked to ensure any dripping fluids are contained.

How do I know if I have a leak?

Check out our Vehicle Leaks webpage to learn how to check for leaks. Fixcarleaks.org helps you identify the particular fluid leaking from your vehicle.

What do I do if I have a leak?

Get it fixed right away to avoid costly repairs down the road. Visit fixcarleaks.org for a list of certified mechanics, a free leak check, and upcoming leak identification workshops.

Don't drip & drive!

Learn more about vehicle leaks at bothellwa.gov/vehicleleaks.