Proper Car Care for Cleaner Water

Did you know that in addition to air pollution, your vehicle can also cause pollution to your local waterways?  Car washing detergents and vehicle fluid leaks and spills are major sources of water pollution.  Look for tips below to prevent pollution of the Huron River and local lakes and streams.

Car Washing

• Wash your car on a grassy area if possible, so the water can soak into the ground

and be filtered naturally.

• Use water from a bucket instead of the hose to save water.

• It is best to go to a commercial car wash that uses water efficiently and disposes

wastewater properly.

• Use non-phosphate, biodegradable detergents and mild soaps.

     Recipes for your automobile:

     Car Soap

     ¼ cup vegetable oil-base liquid soap

     Warm water    Mix ingredients in pail. 

     Car Wax

     1 cup linseed oil

     4 tbsp. carnauba wax (available at auto supply stores)

     2 tbsp. beeswax

     ½ cup vinegar

     Put ingredients in top half of a double-boiler or saucepan.  Heat slowly until

    Wax has melted.  Stir and pour into a heat resistant container.  After wax has

    Solidified, rub in on the car with a lint-free cloth.  Saturate a corner of a

    cotton rag with vinegar and polish the wax to a deep shine. 

Car Repair Tips

• Keep your vehicle well-tuned and fix leaks from your automobile as soon as possible.

• Recycle all used fluids.  Under no circumstances should any vehicle fluid be poured down any drain or dumped in the trash, or dumped onto the ground.

• Minimize spills: use spigots, drip pans and funnels when transferring fluids.