Did you know that the cars we drive can hurt Puget Sound? Sometimes they leak - things like oil, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluids.

When it rains, all that stuff that dripped from our cars onto driveways, streets or parking lots, washes into the Sound.

Things like oil don't dissolve in water. They last a long time and stick to everything from beach sand to bird feathers. It's toxic to people, wildlife and plants.

You may be asking, "What can I do?" It's pretty simple - Fix that leak! Oil and water don't mix.

By fixing your leak, you're going to be saving in the long run - stop buying that quart of oil to put in your leaky car every week, or take care of that small problem before it becomes an even more expensive repair.

So what are you going to do? There are lots of simple steps you can take to become a solution to the pollution.

• Fix all leaks as soon as possible.
• Place drip pans or a piece of cardboard when your car is leaking until you can fix it, or when you are working on it.
• Use an absorbent like kitty litter to cleanup spills. Sweep it up, put it in a plastic bag, and put it in the garbage.
• Don't not dump old oil or other unwanted fluids in the grass, street or directly into the storm drain. They'll find their way to Puget Sound.
• Recycle used motor oil. Many auto supply stores will take your used oil and recycle it for free. The City of Seattle also offers free curbside recycling.

Taking care of your car has benefits.

• You'll save money because of fewer repairs and get better gas mileage.
• By stopping toxic leaks, you'll be saving something we all love about Seattle - Puget Sound.

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