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October 8, 2015
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has been hard at work over the past few months developing a coolant/antifreeze program. In part, this pilot program was put in place to address the many questions and concerns PQIA receives about not only the motor oils in the market, but also the antifreeze on retail shelves.
So here it is. The first group of antifreeze/coolants examined by PQIA and it's disappointing to find that two of the six samples have issues.
In one case, the product (Ultra Guard) does not meet any known industry coolant standards. In addition, laboratory test results show the product protects only down to 10.9°F. It is important to note that nearly all states in the US have experienced temperatures below 0°F. As such, caution is advised if considering use of this product to protect engines from freeze up damage.
Furthermore, the percentage of antifreeze, and the pH of the product are low, and the degradation acids (glycolate and formate), chlorides and sulfates are very high. The levels detected are indicative of used and/or poorly recycled antifreeze. Further, although, technically, the product tested contains bitterant at 6 parts per million (ppm), this level is below the 30 ppm minimum required by the state of Maryland, where the product was purchase, and several other states requiring bitterant.
The second sample tested with issues was Polar Zone. Test results show this product has a freeze point of -6.9°F. Label also claims methanol as a component. Methanol is not an approved component in any engine coolant by any active industry standards. The use of methanol in Antifreeze/Coolant may present a safety hazard if used in an internal combustion engine. The product does not contain bitterant.
Click bottles below for test results and PQIA's assessments.
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