Update
on the antifreeze concerns for classic car enthusiasts
Link to Bluecol products webpage. More
Posted: 1.4.10 |
Concerns
with modern antifreeze formulations for classic MG enthusiasts
Concerns over the suitability of current antifreeze formulations
for use in classic cars were raised in a newsletter from
the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC)
which we reported in
early March 2010. An update on this topic is contained
in the latest FBHVC newsletter which is reproduced below.
ANTIFREEZE
In the article in the last newsletter, we said 'Bluecol
and Blue Star are well known brand names and both
of these are declared suitable for classic cars'.
Perhaps we should clarify that we were referring
to the traditional blue coloured Bluecol - but the
company also sell a red coloured Organic Acid Technology
(OAT) product suitable only for modern cars, not
classics. Even more confusingly, there is also Bluecol
U which marketed as a universal top up and not an
antifreeze product with which you would fill the
whole tank. The manufacturer has assured us that
this is suitable for historic vehicles.
It has also been brought to our attention that Halford's
sell a blue-coloured 'Advanced' antifreeze which
has a label containing the phrase: 'Older vehicles
can further benefit...' but on further examination
it was discovered that this product does indeed
contain OAT and therefore cannot be recommended
for historic engines.
Our postbag has also been swelled by correspondence
relating to the extremely poisonous nature of
ethylene glycol, indeed the Cats' Protection
League have gone so far as to start an on-line petition
to highlight the danger to small animals accidentally
ingesting tiny quantities of the product. Propylene
glycol is much safer and one of our new trade supporters,
AAA Solutions Ltd, is about to launch a propylene
glycol based antifreeze specifically aimed at historic
vehicles.
It does remain a rather confused picture, but the
important facts to remember for historic vehicle
owners are: use only Inorganic Additive Technology
(IAT) products according to the manufacturers'
instructions and take great care with any liquid
containing ethylene glycol. |
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Bluecol
2 Year Antifreeze & Summer Coolant, in a
pack with a blue label, is an ethylene glycol based
antifreeze and engine coolant for use throughout
the year and is suitable for all engine types, including
aluminium. Bluecol say "it does not incorporate
Organic Acid Technology (OAT), exceeds the requirements
of BS6580" and is suitable for classic cars".
See our article on antifreeze concerns for classic
car enthusiasts. More |
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