Puget Sound Starts Here is offering a coupon for free visual leak inspections and a repair discount so that motorists in King County can find an affordable fix and keep pollutants out of the Puget Sound.

The “Don’t Drip and Drive” campaign from the team at Puget Sound Starts Here helps inform people throughout Puget Sound on how to check for vehicle leaks so they can keep their cars running great while protecting local waters.

Studies show that two-thirds of drivers will fix a leak within three months of when they find it.

“The main reason we have been participating in ‘Don’t Drip and Drive’ is that we are aware that fluids do leak from a surprising number of vehicles,” said Mike Lenci of Bellevue Auto Service & Electric, Inc., an EnviroStar-certified business. “We want to help to repair these leaks and give the motorist a substantial discount on the repair as well to help keep our water clean.”

Every year, more than 7 million quarts of motor oil drips out of vehicles and onto streets and parking lots, much of it ending up in streams, lakes and Puget Sound, according to King County officials.

The campaign along with participating repair shops across western Washington are offering car owners a free visual leak inspection – a diagnostic service valued at up to $80 – available now through September.

If the inspection reveals a problem, the car owner will receive a coupon for 10 percent off service to fix the problem (up to $50). Repair coupons expire Sept. 30.

To take advantage of free visual inspections for vehicle leaks, sign up for a basic car care workshop in July, August or September at South Seattle Community College, Shoreline Community College, Renton Technical College or West Seattle High School.

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

As part of the Puget Sound Starts Here consortium, King County participates in regional campaigns around the Puget Sound. Partners share funds and provide more resources for residents to protect our waterways.

For more on helping clean up stormwater runoff before it reaches the Puget Sound, visit pugetsoundstartshere.org.