Pierce County motorists can take advantage of free inspections and discounted service in April to identify and fix leaks as part of Puget Sound Starts Here’s “Don’t Drip and Drive” program.

Every year, hundreds of tons of oil and other petroleum-related products make their way to lakes, rivers, streams and the Puget Sound. Most of this toxic pollution comes from small drips from cars and trucks.
Puget Sound Starts Here’s Don’t Drip and Drive campaign 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.

“Vehicle leaks can cause problems for drivers and the environment,” 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 Puget Sound.”

Mechanics across Pierce County and Western Washington are participating in the program. During the month of April, drivers can take their vehicle to a participating mechanic for a free and easy visual inspection (a diagnostic service valued at up to $80). The free inspection is especially recommended for vehicles that are 2005 models or earlier.

If there is a problem, the driver will receive a coupon for 10 percent off service to fix the problem, a total savings of up to $130. The coupon will expire at the end of June. All participating mechanics are members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) to ensure they meet ASA’s standards of quality.

Participating Pierce County ASA mechanics:

Fife:• The Service Center at I-5 Motors, 3151 20th St. E, Fife, (253) 248-1080

Fircrest:• AAMCO of Fircrest, 2071 Mildred St. W, Fircrest, (253) 503-1342

Gig Harbor:• Mackert Automotive, 3416 B 57th St. Ct. 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 Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood, (253) 588-5201

Puyallup:• 15th Street Automotive, 116 – 10th St. SE, Puyallup, (253) 840-2250
• Kern’s Complete Automotive Care, 13716 Canyon Road E Suite A, Puyallup, (253) 538-1441

Spanaway:• Eurotech Auto Service, 221 170th St. S Suite B, Spanaway, (253) 536-5577

Tacoma:• All Transmissions & Automotive, 3113 S Pine Street, Tacoma, (253) 627-0252• Big John’s Oil & Lube/Auto Repair, 1818 99th St. E, Tacoma, (253) 292-1639
• Bristow’s Exclusive Auto Repair Inc, 4731 S Washington, Tacoma, (253) 471-1663• Genesis Automotive & RV Repair Inc, 6220 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, (253) 473-2336
• McCabe’s Automotive Specialists Inc, 3147 Bridgeport Way W, Tacoma, (253) 565-5173

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

As part of the Puget Sound Starts Here consortium, Pierce County participates in regional campaigns with many other jurisdictions around the Puget Sound region. Participating in these programs gives the county the opportunity to leverage funds for large regional programs that provide more resources to residents and a consistent message about the importance of cleaning up local waterways. For more information about this and other regional efforts to clean-up stormwater runoff before it reaches local waters and Puget Sound, visit www.pugetsoundstartshere.org.

Media Contact:Tiffany O’Dell, Public Works and Utilities education and outreach coordinator
(253) 798-2468, todell@co.pierce.wa.us