Antifreeze is an important fluid in the radiator of your car. The exact definition of antifreeze is; “a liquid used in the radiator of an internal-combustion engine to lower the freezing point of the cooling medium,” (dictionary.com). Additionally “Antifreeze (engine coolant) performs several functions in addition to providing freeze protection. Antifreeze contains chemicals that inhibit corrosion and scale formation in the engine and radiator. Antifreeze (engine coolant) provides protection against boiling in the summer. At one atmosphere pressure pure water boils at 212 °F (100 °C) but a 50/50 blend of water/ethylene glycol boils at 223 °F (106 °C),” (www.eetcorp.com).
So, we now understand that antifreeze is very important to your car, but what exactly is in antifreeze? Is it good or bad for the environment?
“Almost all forms of coolants and heat transfer fluids rely on glycol antifreeze to lower the freezing point of the solution. Common nomenclature calls the resulting solution antifreeze as well. Technically, though, it is more appropriate to call these solutions engine coolants or heat transfer fluids. There are two varieties of glycol: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Both can be used in automotive or heavy-duty engine coolants or glycol-based heat transfer fluids. Modern engines use a mixture of glycol and water for coolant, with corrosion inhibitor chemicals and dyes included with the glycol,” (www.eetcorp.com). Yes, antifreeze is dangerous to the environment both land and aquatic. Plus, if the antifreeze is digested it acts as a poison and could harm someone.
Knowing all that is stated above, you may ask why we still use antifreeze. To answer that question, we use it because the cooling system is extremely important in maintaining the temperature and preventing damage to your engine. Recycling antifreeze, by making sure it is handled and disposed of properly lowers the risks of it becoming a hazard to the environment.
This blog post is to shed some light on yet another motor vehicle liquid that R. H. Willson recycles and handles with the upmost care. We drain the antifreeze from the cars and temporarily store it in special containers, where it is picked up by an authorized antifreeze recycling agent. We have been handling antifreeze in this manner for over 20 years, which is before the recycling trend started. That can only mean that R. H. Willson always goes above and beyond to protect the environment and the land that we are on.
Find out more about Antifreeze Recycling!!!!! http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/guidance-technical-assistance/agencies-and-divisions/ota/education-and-outreach/masscar/antifreeze-recycling.pdf
Works Cited
http://www.eetcorp.com/antifreeze/antifreeze-faq.htm#q14
http://www.dictionary.com/
R.H. Willson Inc. 