'Don't Drip & Drive': Eastside Auto Shops Offering Free Inspections

Eastside 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. 

The “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.

Mechanics across 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.

Local participating ASA mechanics

Redmond:

• , 17443 NE 70th St., 425-869-2419

Bellevue:

• Auto Dynamix, 13245 NE 20th St., 425-283-5766 
• Autohaus Vick, Inc., 14121 NE 24th St., 425-643-6318
• Bellevue Auto Electric Inc., 14320 NE 21st St., 425-747-6800
• Bodyworks Auto Rebuild, 12882 Northup Way Ste. 5, 425-883-3100
• Eastside Autoworks, 12404 SE 38th St. Ste. A, 425-746-0162
• Eastside Transmission, Inc., 13818 NE 16th St., 425-455-1144
• Strictly BMW Independent Service, 2111 140th Ave. NE, 425-747-6044

Kirkland:

• All Wheel Drive Auto, 8410 120th Ave. NE, 425-828-3600
• Jay's Kirkland Auto Care, 817 Seventh Ave., 425-822-3333
• Northwest Differential Service, 11914 124th Ave. NE, 425-827-2868
• Summers Automotive Service, 13205 NE 124th St. Ste. B1, 425-823-5214

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

For more information about the program and other regional efforts to clean-up stormwater runoff before it reaches local waters and Puget Sound, visit the Puget Sound Starts Here website. 

—Information from Pierce County