As the LA Auto Show rolls into town now through November 30, car lovers across the city are gearing up to celebrate innovation, design, and all things horsepower. Whether you’re eyeing the newest concept cars or admiring a perfectly restored lowrider, there’s no reason that excitement has to end when you leave the convention hall. You can take that same energy home to your own driveway and channel it into sustainable, stormwater-friendly car care.

We’ve gathered together a few ways that auto-loving Angelenos can shake up their DIY car care routines. Here’s how to keep your ride in top shape and keep our waterways clean.

1. Rethink the Driveway Wash

Why is driveway washing a problem? When you wash your car in your driveway or on the street, all the dirt, soap, oils, brake dust, and cleaning chemicals flow directly (and untreated!) into the storm drain system. That polluted water ultimately ends up in the LA River, Ballona Creek, Santa Monica Bay, and other sensitive waterways.

If you want to keep your shine without harming your surroundings, use a commercial car wash whenever possible. Professional washes capture, filter, and properly dispose of wastewater. Many even recycle water on-site! But if you still want to wash at home, our biggest piece of advice is to be gentle. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps that break down naturally and reduce harm to aquatic life. Washing on a permeable surface can also help: this means moving your car onto a lawn or gravel, and not a paved driveway. Permeable surfaces help filter runoff before it reaches our city’s water ways.

2. Keep Oil Changes Clean and Contained

Doing your own oil change is an iconic DIY rite of passage, but spilled motor oil is one of the most common pollutants found in stormwater. You can still partake in this at-home practice while protecting our waterways, though! 

Be sure and set up that pan under your car and make sure it catches every drop of motor oil. Instead of dumping that used oil, store it in a sealed container and take it to your local S.A.F.E. Center where LA residents can dispose of used motor oil for free. 

Even the smallest of spills can really matter when it comes to stormwater. Did you know that just one gallon of used motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of water, so capturing and disposing of it correctly can make a real positive impact.

3. Smart Detailing for a Cleaner City

Auto detailing doesn’t have to be wasteful! When getting every inch of your car in tip-top shape, you can make a few simple eco-friendly swaps. Ditch the pile of paper towels in favor of reusable microfiber cloths, and give natural cleaning solutions like diluted white vinegar a try. You can also try waterless wash products to reduce water use. And be sure to dispose of any dirty water in the sink, not outdoors. If you send it down the sink, the dirty water will head to a treatment plant, not directly to our waterways.

4. A Few More Quick Eco-Tips

  • Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
  • Use windshield wiper fluid sparingly. Regular window cleaning means you don’t need it as often.
  • Fix leaks ASAP. Fluids like coolant, oil, and transmission fluid can drip onto streets and wash into waterways when it rains.

Whether your ride is a vintage classic, a reliable commuter, or a cutting-edge EV, true auto pride includes keeping LA’s streets and waterways clean. This year’s LA Auto Show celebrates innovation and influence. While adopting eco-friendly auto maintenance behaviors may not be cutting-edge, it will do wonders to help protect our rivers, ocean, and neighborhoods and will create a sustainable Los Angeles, which is just as important. 


Have a favorite eco-friendly product or DIY tip? Share it with us at LAStormwater@lacity.org. We may even feature your suggestion on our social channels.