ecotip
Clean Ride DIY Versus Commercial Carwash
We all want our new, energy-effi- cient vehicles to look their best, and eco-con- scious drivers want to
extend their green lifestyle to include cleaning their car. Washing can provide some exercise and saves money, but the Interna- tional Carwash Association reports that automatic car washes use on average fewer than 45 gallons of water per car, compared with 80 or more at home. Commer- cial facilities also drain wastewater into sewer systems to be treated or reused, while soapy do-it-yourself water can directly enter waterways via storm drains unless it’s in an area that filters into a local aquifer.
Here are some helpful tips. Conserve water. For DIY folks, the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency recommends using a bucket instead of a hose for washing a section at a time, and then quickly rinsing using a pistol-grip hose nozzle, and also washing the car on gravel or a lawn, so wastewater doesn’t flow off pavement or sidewalks and down a storm drain. Be sure to use phosphate- free, non-toxic biodegradable soaps and waxes. Check under the car. Grime, dirt and salt may
have accumulated in crevices of the undercarriage, especially in colder regions, so spray underneath, too. Be observant. A fender-bender, stray pebbles or the impact of another car door may have chipped exterior paint. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, corrosion, acid rain, storm damage and harsh sunlight can also mar body paint and expose metal surfaces. Treat these blem- ishes with a stop-rust spray and touch-up paint before they spread.
Sources:
epa.gov,
ASE.com,
CarWash.org,
ehow.com
natural awakenings
June 2013
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