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Don't undo environmental greening by doing car maintenance yourself

The cars of today are getting harder and harder to maintenance yourself, but hardcore do-it-yourself types can do the world a big disfavor, simply by not handling used oil properly if they change it themselves.
Posted: April 19, 2012 - 4:38PM
Author: Don Bain
The LiquiVac for large engines. Photo courtesy of Airpower America

A single gallon of oil, improperly disposed of down a municipal storm drain, can contaminate one million gallons of water – enough to supply 50 adults for a full year – drinking, washing, watering, bathing and all. That’s a lot of agua.

Furthermore, the problem extends beyond automobiles to generators, lawnmowers, tillers, ATVs, snowmobiles and more. Changing out small amounts of oil without proper disposal can create environmental problems.

Motor is toxic to plant and animal life, including humans, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to eHow Health, Boulder County lists lead, arsenic, cadmium and hydrocarbons among the toxins to be found in motor oil.

“In addition to its own toxic ingredients, motor oil picks up additional poisonous substances as it works to protect an engine from everyday wear and tear,” the site reports. “According to the EPA, heavy metals, dirt and other hazardous contaminants enter the motor oil over time.”

Of course, anytime there’s a problem a solution can be found and a company called AirPower America is offering a new vacuum-powered product that can suck used oil right out of the dipstick tube.

The LiquiVac comes in two sizes. One for small engines like mowers, tillers and generators and is only $34.99. A larger engine model works for large and small engines and is $47.99
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Both systems vacuum oil out through the dipstick tube and into a convenient tank for easy recycling or disposal, making the process clean, economical and eco-friendly.

By taking oil to a collection center you save energy. It can be reprocessed and used for heat or by power plants to generate electricity for homes, schools and businesses. It can also be reprocessed back into even better engine oils.

There are many places to recycle oil nearby of which most people are unaware. You can find the closest place to environmentally recycle your used oil by simply clicking here.

Here’s one easy way to be green hero in the eyes of the kids and community and keep our environment clean in the process.

So get on the stick and keep it clean – we’ll all breathe (and drink) a little easier.

Automotive News