Chrysler Tests Less Toxic Antifreeze
24 February 1998
Chrysler Tests Less Toxic AntifreezeAUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 24 -- Chrysler Corporation , ARCO Chemical Company and Texaco are testing a new antifreeze that is less toxic, will last five years or 100,000 miles and uses up to 100 percent recycled propylene glycol. The antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, will be tested in a fleet of Chrysler-owned vehicles through its employee lease program during a two-year evaluation. "If approved, we will be able to provide the customer with a coolant that is safer without sacrificing vehicle performance," states Robert Kainz, Manager - Pollution Prevention and Remediation for Chrysler Corporation. Propylene glycol (PG) replaces ethylene glycol (EG) to make the new coolant less harmful, and is dyed orange instead of green for differentiation. The conventional additives used to block corrosion are replaced by an organic material, which is depleted at a slower rate, thereby extending the coolant life. ARCO Chemical manufactures the glycol and Texaco manufactures the organic salt additives. Coolant is necessary to keep an engine from overheating, freezing-up and corroding. Use of PG in place of EG helps to reduce the risk of poisonings as a result of accidental ingestion by children and animals. Radiator boil-overs, leaks, spills and improper disposal of EG based coolants are common sources for accidental poisonings of pets as well as animals in the wild. PG is found in limited amounts in a variety of consumer products including dog foods, cosmetics and certain over-the-counter medications. However, despite the relative safety of PG, coolant is not intended for consumption. According to Glenn Cozzone, Manager of propylene glycol coolants for ARCO Chemical, Chrysler is the first North American automaker to undertake a test of this kind. "Having an automaker of Chrysler's magnitude invest in this type of evaluation is a very important milestone in the increasing acceptance of propylene glycol coolants," says Cozzone. Texaco's Carmen Ulabarro, Product Coordinator - Coolants, added that this evaluation presents additional opportunities for Texaco's extended life coolant technology. "By demonstrating that our technology is effective in propylene glycol, we're working to assure our participation in the PG market segment," explains Ulabarro. PG is widely used as a heat transfer fluid where low toxicity of the fluid is important, such as in food processing plants and residential heating and cooling systems. It is commonly found in plumber's antifreeze, used to winterize water systems in cabins, boats and recreational vehicles in which both freeze protection and lower toxicity are critical parameters. Recently, it has been finding increasing use in aircraft de-icing fluids and in engine coolants. ARCO Chemical is a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of propylene oxide and derivatives and other intermediate chemicals. Its products are used in a wide range of consumer goods including automotive components, foam cushioning, paints and coatings, antifreeze and reformulated gasoline. Additional information on the company can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.archochem.com. Texaco's patented extended life coolant inhibitor contains no silicates, nitrates, borates, phosphates, or amines or other abrasive dissolved solids that can contribute to water pump seal failure. Texaco is a leading marketer of extended life coolants in the U.S. with over 400 lubricant, coolant and fuel additive products on a global scale. Additional information on the company can be found on the Internet at http://www.texaco.com/tlc. SOURCE Chrysler Corporation