Safer type antifreeze

[Greg out west]

Hi Guy's,


Was looking at the part's store the other day for the Safer type anti-Freeze such as Serria. It's Propylene Glyco type

I have a few pet's & would hate to find them dead from licking a few drop's of the common type Anti-Freeze (Ethelene Glyco)


I checked at O'Reilly & the guy didn't know what I was talking about ? Anybody know where I can find it ??

Thanks,,,Greg out West

[rwp]

I order Sierra brand at a NAPA Store.

[ba49]

Our local NAPA store stocks it, but at a premium price compared to regular antifreeze.

[Mikeinnj]

Why not fix the leak and use conventional anti-freeze. It's cheaper than the tree hugger's stuff.

[Ed Northrop]

Worth the money to buy the safer type, you could spring a leak any time.

[AL in NY]

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All cars leak at some point, so the alternative is to change all your cars over to the "safer" antifreeze. I think I'll just keep a close eye out for leaks.......................on all my cars.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

Why not fix the leak and use conventional anti-freeze. It's cheaper than the tree hugger's stuff.

its a more serious subject than merely "tree huggers stuff"

Ethylene glycol might be cheaper, but its poison, not only to pets, but children who mistake it for Kool Aid. It tastes sweet. In 2002, over 5000 cases of Ethylene glycol poisoning in humans were reported in the US. It is seldom fatal unless ingested in large quantities ( over 225 ml in adults, but there have been cases of adults killed by as little as 30ml ..less than an ounce) It is a serious poison and no fun. In children 56 ml ( 1,8 ounces) for a 40 pound child is considered lethal. Imagine how little can kill your dog or cat. Propylene glycol tastes bitter and is unlikely to be ingested.

Not only that, it ruins babbit bearings if it gets in the oil. Unsubstantiated reports indicate Propylene Glycol does not harm babbit.

I did find it at OReilly's, cannot recall the brand, but read the label for Propylene Glycol. Its usually labeled as environmentally safe or words to that effect.

[Marvin/TN]

I think Wal Mart sells it

[kenparker]

I get Sierra at the ABC Auto supply chain store., But they keep it hidden and you have to ask for it. Last year it cost $4 more than ethelent glycol type at the WalMart store.

[cayager]

also the propylene glycol type doesnt foam up

[Greg out west]

Hey Pat,,


Thank's for the long reply,,,I don't have any leaks,,,but I was working on my modern car & drained the coolant in a pan. took a break & came back to see my Cat with his nose in the pan smelling the anti-freeze...


Just caught him in time,,You know how pet's become part of your "Family"...It was my fault for not thinking about the Open pan of coolant...That will never happen again..That's why I switch over to the other type of anti-freeze....


Take care guy's

Greg out West

[fordcoupe]

Tractor Supply sells it around $20.00 a gallon

[Vic in E-TN]

$20 per gallon for propylene glycol - WOW. I use the pink propylene glycol to winterize my swimming pool. It is the same stuff that they use as RV antifreeze. The last batch cost less than $5 per gallon. It goes into the water system in RV's and is not toxic to the same extent as ethylene glycol.
Vic

[TomW]

The pink stuff for pools/RV & boat water systems doesn't have any corrosion inhibitors in it - not good for use in engines. I bought some propylene glycol based engine coolant at West Marine.

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

Why not fix the leak and use conventional anti-freeze. It's cheaper than the tree hugger's stuff.

Every year at trailheads in Colorado, you will find dead marmots under cars with coolant leaks and chewed lower hoses. Of course, the cost to get a flat bed tow truck to some of these places far exceeds the cost of animal friendly coolant. There is something in the regular coolants that attracts varmints.

[Vic in E-TN]

Corrosion inhibitor can be purchased separately at any of the auto parts stores.
Vic

[Keith True]

The pink RV anti-freeze clots badly if used in an engine.Once the heat gets to it the stuff turns into strawberry jelly.It will do it if left in an RV for more than a couple of years too.It's been tried,it just creates a mess in the engine to wash out.I used to buy it for less than $100.per barrel.That makes it pretty tempting to use in old cars.Turned out to be a bad move.

[springerpete]

I have used the old, green anti freeze for more than 50 years, so you can guess my age. I see no reason to change over. Antifreeze is no more dangerous when properly handled than gasoline or other liquids used around cars. Our hobby is one with some perils involved and always will be. Perhaps no one really knows what the "modern" stuff will do when exposed to pets or children.

[Greg out west]

Hey Springerpete,,


Read "Pat in Santa Cruz" reply on 10-23-12...He Explained it real "Clear"


Take Care

Greg out West

[bogiediver]

Polypropylene Glycol is not toxic (of course, even goods things in extreme excess can be bad...)

It is used for many medical purposes (including as a vehicle for IV drugs - i.e. it's injected into the blood stream).

It's also used to create theatrical fog - and the vapor in electronic cigarettes - in both cases it gets inhaled...

The 'green stuff' poses a somewhat greater danger than other auto fluids in that it has an attractive, bright color & smells and tastes sweet.

IMHO - if you have kids or family critters, it might be worth the extra for the non-toxic antifreeze just to be safe - cheap insurance...

FWIW