Free vehicle leak inspections offered

By Stefanie Donahue

To prevent oil seeping into Puget Sound, the Department of Ecology sponsors the Don’t Drive and Drip program to offer free leak inspections to drivers throughout Washington state.

The next free leak inspection workshop that takes place close to home lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at Bellingham Technical College, located at 3028 Lindbergh Avenue.

The Don’t Drive and Drip program partners with community colleges and some high schools to offer workshops in Seattle, Everett, Marysville, Lakewood, Shoreline and Renton in addition to Bellingham. The workshops are taught by certified automotive instructors and feature a lesson on basic vehicle maintenance.

The maintenance lesson spans about an hour and the rest of the time is spent working directly with vehicles. Participants learn how to check basic car systems including fluids, belts, hoses and filters. On-site professionals will also conduct a free vehicle inspection. Participants are given a free vehicle maintenance check kit that includes a drip test sheet, fluid test strips, a funnel, an absorbent pad, tire pressure gauge and more.

The Don’t Drive and Drip campaign is organized by a steering committee and receives support from state, local and nonprofit agencies. According to figures presented by the Don’t Drive and Drip program, an estimated 7 million quarts of vehicle fluids leak into the Puget Sound watershed each year.

Only 15 people can participate in the workshop at a time, so be sure to register early at fixcarleaks.org. Still have questions? Contact Justine Asohmbom with the Department of Ecology at 425/649-7108 or by email at justine.asohmbom@ecy.wa.gov.