WINTERIZING ANTIFREEZES

Tim Lackey - Glissando, # 381 EC

There are two kinds of so-called "safe" antifreeze: the Sierra brand, which is generally less toxic to animals and pets than regular antifreeze (which is highly toxic), but it still rather hazardous, and then there is the pink, RV antifreeze. Sierra is closely related to normal antifreeze and works very well, but it really shouldn't be discharged on the ground or into the water. It is a good choice as the brand to use in your heat exchanger, if you had one. The pink stuff is actually drinkable and is often used to winterize fresh water tanks and the like, as well as engines. The pink stuff will slush up in below zero temperatures, but will not freeze solid (at least not that I've seen). Here in Maine the pink RV antifreeze is commonly used when the engines are winterized to fill the raw water side of the cooling system. It is safe to discharge into the water in the spring when starting the engine for the first time.