'Drive Green and Clean' in October

Coming this October, a new campaign will provide free vehicle inspections in the Portland metro area to reduce unnecessary pollution caused by autos in need of repair. Beginning Oct. 1, coupons offering a "Free Green and Clean Inspection" will be distributed to DEQ Vehicle Inspection Program stations in the Portland area. Each customer going through the vehicle emissions check will receive a coupon for a free visual inspection of their vehicle at a participating Ecological Business (Eco-Biz) certified auto repair shop. You can find a certified shop by clicking here.

The auto repair shop will check for fluid leaks, check the air filter, perform a tire pressure check, look at hoses, gas cap, and check the tailpipe for visible smoke. If the vehicle passes the visual check, the driver will receive a decal that says "I Drive Green and Clean" and a convenient Car Care Guide that fits in the vehicle glove box.

Statistics from the latest Car Care Months inspection campaign (conducted in April and October 2008) continue to underscore the need for consumer education about auto maintenance. Overall, the vehicle failure rate for at least one part or system in 2008 was 80 percent. This means that more than eight out of every 10 vehicles failed at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. The adverse effects on highway safety, air quality, cost of vehicle operation, vehicle performance and dependability are self-evident from these results. The following data show the percentage of motorists participating in the National Car Care Month and Fall Car Care Month 2008 inspection campaign whose vehicles failed this part of the inspection.

Lubricants and fluids:
• Engine Oil: 32%
• Transmission Fluid: 17%
• Washer Fluid: 23%
• Coolant (Flush): 21%
• Power Steering Fluid: 15%
• Brake Fluid: 14%

The "I Drive Green and Clean" program is part of an innovative partnership between the Ecological Business Certification Program for Auto Repair, the NW Automotive Trades Association, the Oregon Environmental Council, and the Pollution Prevention Outreach Team (which includes the City of Portland, Clean Water Services, Oregon DEQ, City of Gresham, Clackamas and Washington Counties).