How to prevent frostbite from ruining your life

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you feel dizzy while driving, it is possible that the non-freezing is to blame, or rather, the methanol contained in it. A life hacker will explain what to look for when buying a windshield washer and teach you how to cook it at home.

Any anti-freeze works due to the alcohol contained in it. It crystallizes at a lower temperature than water, which means it can clear glass even in frosty conditions. The rest of the components (detergents, fragrances and colors) serve to improve the performance of the liquid, but are not so important.

Isopropyl alcohol, ethylene or propylene glycol can be used in the safe anti-freeze system. But unscrupulous manufacturers prefer methyl alcohol: it is very profitable.

In Russia, it is prohibited to add methyl alcohol to windscreen washer fluids. Methanol is a strong poison: ingested 5-10 grams of a substance can lead to blindness, and 30 grams - to death. Vapors entering the car interior through the ventilation system cause headaches, weakness and dizziness.

How to distinguish a safe anti-freeze from a poisonous one

1. If the liquid has a strong unpleasant odor, reminiscent of acetone, then the washer is made of isopropyl alcohol and is not toxic.
2. If the odorless liquid has a medium to high price, it is most likely ethylene or propylene glycol. The substance is not dangerous.
3. If the anti-freeze is odorless, but stands out favorably among others with a low cost, it is possible that the composition contains methanol. Beware of her.

If after pouring a new windshield washer you feel unwell, feel weak, have a headache, or suddenly become absent-minded, stop and get out of the car. Get some fresh air for a few minutes and open the windows to ventilate the car. If symptoms recur, drain the suspicious non-freeze and buy a better product. You don't want to get into an accident, do you?

If you don't care about your own well-being, know that methanol-based anti-freeze wipers eat away at the rubber on the wipers and shorten their lifespan.

How to choose a good anti-freeze

Buy in trusted locations

No one argues that it is much more profitable to buy an anti-freeze from a gazelle standing on the side of the highway than in any store. But only for your wallet, not for your health. There is a high probability that it is there that counterfeit goods from low-quality components are sold.

Pay attention to 5 things

1. The price. For 5 liters of high-quality anti-freeze, you will have to pay at least 200 rubles. And a fake with methanol can be offered for 50. Suspiciously low cost is a reason to think about the safety of the product.
2. Product type … Distinguish between windshield washer fluids and concentrates. The latter are more aggressive and are used only in a mixture with water (the proportions are indicated on the package). Sold in small bottles. Crystallization temperature - from –30 ° C to –60 ° C (and even lower).
3. Packaging. The lid must be tightly screwed on, the label must be fully glued, all inscriptions must be easily readable.
4. Information on the label. It must contain information about the manufacturer (indicating the address), the name of the product, its composition, compliance with technical conditions, date of manufacture, expiration date, precautions for use.
5. Surfactants (Surfactant) in the composition. It is important that the glass cleaning liquid not only does not freeze in frost, but also does not leave smudges, deposits and films. This is influenced by the surfactant content.

Focus on reviews

Having studied the opinion of Russian motorists on the Internet, we have identified non-freezing with the maximum number of positive reviews.

LIQUI MOLY Antifrost –25 ° C, 4 liters

The liquid is made on the basis of isopropyl alcohol with the addition of surfactants, dirt and water repellent additives, fragrances and dyes. It smells like melon. Safe for plastic car parts, paint and varnish. Freezes even below the specified temperature: –28–30 ° C.

Price: 360-420 rubles.

CoolStream -25 ° C, 5 liters

Made on the basis of isopropyl alcohol with the addition of ethylene glycol, flavors and dyes. Safe for polycarbonate glass. Effectively fights traces of snow and ice, soot, salt and mud. Does not leave streaks and cloudy film on the windshield. It has a rather pungent smell that not everyone will like.

Price: 260-350 rubles.

SONAX Xtreme Nano Pro –25 ° C, 3 liters

It contains isopropyl alcohol, surfactants, glycerin, perfume and dyes. Non-freezing is safe for car parts. Provides a clear view and is quite economical.

Price: 570-630 rubles.

How to make anti-freeze

If you don't feel like spending money on a store-bought windshield washer, do it yourself. You will need:

• Ethyl alcohol from a pharmacy or regular cheap vodka.
• Distilled water. Plumbing can leave traces of rust or bleach on your car.
• Shampoo, dishwashing detergent or glass cleaner to remove dirt and deposits from the windshield.
• Flavoring optional. It can be a chemical perfume or an essential oil.

Dilute alcohol with water to obtain the required concentration.

The amount of alcohol in the solution:	Crystallization temperature:
11%	–5 ° C
26%	–15 ° C
35%	–25 ° C
47%	–35 ° C
70%	–50 ° C

Then add detergent to the mixture of alcohol and water (1 tablespoon per 3 liters of liquid) and flavor (a few drops will be enough).

Home anti-freeze is cheaper than purchased, but it can damage the appearance of the car: make the glass cloudy, leave a plaque on plastic parts, or corrode the wipers. So use this liquid with care.