Vehicle leaks can cause havoc for drivers and the environment. Motorists in Pierce County can find an affordable repair and keep pollutants out of Puget Sound, thanks to Puget Sound Starts Here’s “Don’t Drip and Drive” program.

As part of the program, participating repair shops across Western Washington will conduct a free visual leak inspection (a diagnostic service valued at up to $80) from July to September. If there is a problem, the driver will receive a coupon for 10 percent off service (up to $50) to fix the problem – a total savings of up to $130. The coupon will expire Sept. 30, 2014.

“This offer puts people in the driver’s seat to find out if their car has a leak and gives them a discount on fixing it, as auto leaks can be expensive,” said Harold Smelt, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities surface water manager. “Fixing the problem can help drivers keep their cars on the road, while keeping pollutants such as oil from traveling into our local waterways and the Puget Sound.”

Vehicles drip an estimated 7 million quarts of motor oil into the Puget Sound watershed each year. Oil and other petroleum products can harm wildlife and habitat. When it rains, stormwater runoff carries petroleum products to Puget Sound and other bodies of water.

The “Don’t Drip and Drive” program was designed to build awareness and educate people throughout the Puget Sound region that it is important to check for vehicle leaks regularly to keep their car on the road and protect local waters. Studies show that 67 percent of drivers who find a leak will fix it within three months.

To take advantage of the free visual inspection for vehicle leaks, visit one of these participating repair shops in July, August or September 2014:

Bonney Lake:

• Larry’s Classic Quality Brake & Muffler, 19102 Highway 410, Bonney Lake, (253) 862-3901

Fife:

• The Service Center at I-5 Motors / Rolf’s in Fife, 3151 20th St. E, Fife, (253) 248-1080

Gig Harbor:

• Gig Harbor Automotive Service, 4101 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, (253) 851-8501
• Mackert Automotive, 3416 57th St. Court NW, Gig Harbor, (253) 851-3307

Lakewood:

• European Motors Service Center, 5911 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, (253) 582-3606
• Rolf’s Import Auto Service, 3122 96th St. S, Lakewood, (253) 584-7770
• Tveten’s Auto Clinic, 5425 Lakewood Mall Blvd., Lakewood, (253) 588-5201

Puyallup:

• 15th Street Automotive, 116 10th St. SE, Puyallup, (253) 840-2250
• CG’s Come-N-Go Automotive, 14719 Canyon Road E, Puyallup, (253) 301-3746
• Kern’s Complete Automotive Care, 13716 Canyon Road E, Puyallup, (253) 538-1441

Spanaway:

• Eurotech Auto Service, 221 170th Street S, Spanaway, (253) 536-5577

Sumner:

• Car Smart Automotive Repair, 15532 Main St. E, Sumner, (253) 447-7681

Tacoma:

• All Transmission & Automotive, 3113 S Pine St., Tacoma, (253) 627-0252
• Automotive Service Center, 3537 E Portland Ave., Tacoma, (253) 383-2930
• Big John’s Oil and Lube, 1818 99th St. E, Tacoma, (253) 292-1639
• Bristow’s Exclusive Auto Repair, 4731 S Washington St., Tacoma, (253) 471-1663
• Car Pros Kia, 7230 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 671-2400
• Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma, 4502 S Steele St., Tacoma, (253) 473-5556
• D&T Automotive & Muffler, 6421 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 476-5003
• Firestone Complete Auto Care, 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, (253) 471-8473
• Genesis Automotive & RV Repair, 6220 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 473-2336
• Kimball’s Collision Center, 10111 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, (253) 537-0276
• McCabe’s Automotive Specialists, 3147 Bridgeport Way W, Tacoma, (253) 565-5173
• MD Autosales, 6434 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 441-2364
• South End Auto Care, 8318 Pacific Highway E, Tacoma, (253) 661-0366
• T&T Tire Factory, 3711 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 475-6777
• Transmission Sales & Service, 8009 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 582-4757

For a complete listing of participating locations and more information, visit www.fixcarleaks.org.

About Don’t Drip and Drive

In 2013, Pierce County was awarded a grant on behalf of the Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities (STORM) consortium to lead the second phase of the Don’t Drip and Drive campaign rolling out this summer. STORM is made up of more than 80 local governments including Pierce County that work together to address polluted runoff.

As part of the consortium, Pierce County participates in regional campaigns with jurisdictions and organizations around the Puget Sound region. For more information about this and other regional efforts to clean-up stormwater runoff before it reaches local waters and Puget Sound, go to www.pugetsoundstartshere.org.