Four more samples of Antifreeze/Coolant tested, one has issues, another underscores the importance of reading the labels
Of the four antifreeze/coolants tested, one product (SuperS Antifreeze Summer Coolant 50/50 Prediluted) has an issue in that it does not meet its labeled claim. The freeze point of the product tested is -25°F. This is higher than the product’s labeled claim of -34°F and is higher than -33.5°F required by many states.
CLICK BOTTLES FOR DETAILS
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Blue Mountain | Chevron Havoline | SuperS | PolyFreeze |
Read the labels and know the difference – Is it a concentrate or ready to use?
An important point to consider when looking at the above set of antifreeze/coolant brands tested is that one (PolyFreeze) is a concentrate. While concentrates, or as some say “full strength,” were the only type of antifreeze in the market for many decades, their presence on retail shelves is now shared with 50/50 ready-to-use/prediluted antifreeze. As an example, at a Walmart recently visited by PQIA there were 36 facings of concentrate and 40 of ready-to-use antifreeze.
While both concentrate and ready-to-use antifreeze have their place and space in the market, consumers should be aware of the differences. And the most important is that water must be added to concentrated antifreeze to achieve the desired level of protect, and water should not be added to 50/50 prediluted/ready-to-use antifreeze. For these reasons, the labels on nearly all antifreeze make it clear that it’s either a concentrate or prediluted/ready-to-use product. In addition, as is the law in several states, the labels on prediluted products include the words “DO NOT ADD WATER,” and some of the concentrated products clearly state “MUST ADD WATER.”
Although most labels on antifreeze clearly identify the product is either a concentrate or ready-to-use/prediluted antifreeze, this is not always the case. An example is seen with the PolyFreeze 5/150 Long Life Antifreeze Coolant that PQIA reports on in this most recent group of products tested.
Whereas the back label on this product provides directions about its use and the amount of water to mix with the coolant for the desired freeze point protection, neither the front nor the back labels state that this product is a concentrate. This could be a serious issue for consumers that make the mistake to grab and go assuming by the front label it’s a ready to use product.
For these reasons, PQIA advocates that all antifreeze/coolants have clear and prominent language on the front label stating that the product is either a concentrate or ready-to-use/prediluted antifreeze. In addition, the labels on ready-to-use/prediluted products state “DO NOT ADD WATER,” and labels on the concentrated products state “MUST ADD WATER.” Further, the labels on concentrates include a chart showing the volume of the concentrated antifreeze to be used with water to provide the desired level of protection. Doing so is clearly in the best interest of consumers.
