As the temperature starts to drop for winter, it’s important to consider your car’s performance and look into your routine winter car maintenance schedule.

One essential cold-weather car maintenance task that drivers often overlook is adding antifreeze to your vehicle’s coolant reservoir, especially if you live in an area where the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (aka freezing).

Just like coolant helps to regulate your car engine’s temperature by keeping it cooler in summer, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing by lowering the freezing point of the liquid. Although they aren’t the same, the two are often used interchangeably.

Unfortunately, traditional antifreeze contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets and humans. Not only that, if it spills, leaks, or is dumped on the ground, it can seep into the ground, contaminating water sources and posing a threat to aquatic life. Thankfully, there are green antifreeze alternatives available for eco-conscious car owners.

What Makes Antifreeze Eco-Friendly?

Is Traditional Antifreeze Bad for the Environment?

Yes, traditional automotive antifreeze can be bad for the environment, especially if it is handled improperly. Traditional antifreeze is made up of toxic ethylene glycol. When contained inside your vehicle’s cooling system, it prevents potentially catastrophic damage to your vehicle. However, if it leaks, spills, or is even dumped on the ground or down the drains, it can have lethal side effects.

Unfortunately, traditional antifreeze has a very sweet taste, making it a sweet temptation for anything passing by — including cats, dogs, birds, squirrels, and even children. When ingested, the ethylene glycol breaks down into several toxic chemicals that can be deadly, even in small doses, unless treated within the hour.

If, by chance, the spilled chemical isn’t lapped up by the local wildlife, it can pose a more widespread risk. Antifreeze can leach into the ground, contaminating groundwater, drinking water, and surface water.

Is There an Environmentally Friendly Antifreeze?

Ethylene glycol currently dominates the antifreeze market due to affordability, effectiveness, and versatility. However, propylene glycol is a suitable alternative for car owners looking for a green antifreeze option. In fact, propylene glycol is even an additive to certain medications, cosmetics, and even food products, like ice cream and salad dressings. The chemical compound maintains moisture and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

Not only is propylene glycol a safer alternative if accidentally ingested, it is also easily biodegradable, lessening the harmful impact to water and marine life. Plus, it is odorless and not as sweet as traditional automotive antifreeze, making it less attractive to the local wildlife.

Top Eco-friendly Antifreeze Products on the Market

Not sure which greener antifreeze alternative to use? Here are a few solutions to consider:

SIERRA Full Strength Antifreeze + Coolant

One of the propylene glycol (PG) antifreeze options on the market. This full-strength concentrated liquid is sold by the gallon and should be diluted with water by 30% or up to 60% for vehicles in mild climates. Thanks to its patented inhibitors, this product can effectively prevent your vehicle from freezing up or boiling over and protects against rust and corrosion.

• Freeze Protection: -76° F (-60° C) protection at a 70% to 30% antifreeze to water mix
• Boilover Protection: 262° F (127.7° C) boiling point at 70/30 product to water ratio
• For Use On: This product is intended for use on all gasoline vehicles worldwide, regardless of make, model, or the original antifreeze
• Good For: Depending on the usage, this antifreeze should protect your vehicle for 5 years/150,000 miles

AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze & Engine Coolant

A low-toxicity, biodegradable, propylene glycol antifreeze that reviewers agree works just like the original antifreeze. AMSOIL is made with a proprietary polyorganic acid technology, extending the service life in all gasoline and diesel engines. It even protects metals, hoses, and gaskets against corrosives, such as acid or salt spray, preventing corrosion of a variety of engines, including those made with aluminum.

• Freeze Protection: -59.9° F (-51.5° C) protection at 60% antifreeze to 40% water mix
• Boilover Protection: 225° F (107° C) at 60% antifreeze
• For Use On: This low-toxicity antifreeze is uniquely formulated for heavy-duty usage as well as passenger cars, light-duty trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, and some marine uses
• Good For: Up to 5 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, in passenger cars and light trucks. However, for heavy-duty applications, this product can last up to 1,000,000 miles, 20,000 hours of operation, or 8 years, whichever comes first.

PEAK® ECOSHIELD™ Antifreeze + Coolant

PEAK ECOSHIELD is a 50/50 prediluted antifreeze and coolant, so you don’t have to worry about diluting it yourself. ECOSHEILD offers premium engine protection and is made from 95% renewable ingredients.

• Freeze Protection: -34° F (-36° C)
• Boilover Protection: 256° F (124° C)
• For Use On: This antifreeze is intended for use in all automotive makes and models and light or medium-duty vehicles (gas, diesel, electric vehicles, and hybrid cars)
• Good For: When you stick to the recommended schedule for proper cooling system maintenance, this product can protect your vehicle for up to 15 years/350,000 miles.

How to Choose the Best Antifreeze for Your Car

It’s recommended that you replace your antifreeze or coolant every 3-5 years or 100,000-150,000 miles. But, as time goes by, manufacturers may update their product selections, greener solutions become available, or we forget which types of antifreeze we used the last time. So, how do you choose the best eco-friendly antifreeze for your car?

Check the Owner’s Manual

First, if you’re completely in the dark, your vehicle’s owner’s manual is always a helpful resource when you’re getting to know your car (or need to refresh your memory). The car manufacturer has done extensive research to find the optimal antifreeze for your vehicle’s needs. Some vehicle manufacturers even sell antifreeze and coolant that are branded specifically for their makes.

Consider Your Climate

Next, consider your climate. If you’re located in states with mild temperatures, your vehicle may not require freeze protection down to -76° F.  However, if you live in or travel to states where temperatures can fluctuate drastically, having high-quality antifreeze may be a consideration for you.

Avoid Mixing Chemicals

Finally, avoid mixing different antifreeze with other brands until you are sure that the two are compatible. If you mix two non-compatible chemicals, you risk the chemicals thickening, which can keep the liquid from flowing, clogging up the system and potentially causing catastrophic damage due to freezing or overheating.

Note: If you’re hesitant about working on your car or using dangerous chemicals, it’s best to consult a certified mechanic or repair shop. Handling hazardous chemicals like antifreeze and coolant can be risky, and improper maintenance might void your factory warranty or any extended warranty coverage you have.

How to Properly Dispose of Antifreeze to Minimize Environmental Impact

You can reduce potential environmental impact by disposing of your antifreeze properly. Never pour antifreeze on the ground, in the water, in the trash, down the drain, or flush it down the toilet. You should always take the proper precautions to protect the environment when handling antifreeze, even if it is an eco-friendly option. All antifreeze picks up heavy metals during use, which makes all used antifreeze a potential hazard.

Proper disposal can protect human health and reduce your impact on the environment. No matter which antifreeze you use, make sure you empty it into a clean, leak-proof container. Ideally, you can use the original container since it’s already labeled. However, if you throw it away, be sure to clearly label the container you choose.

Carefully bring the sealed container to your local antifreeze disposal or recycling facility and follow their instructions. Check nearby car service stations and vehicle repair shops to inquire about if they accept antifreeze for proper disposal. A recycling center or hazardous waste facility may also be able to help.

Avoid Winter Breakdowns with Endurance Warranty Plans

Harsh winter weather temperatures can quickly take a toll on your vehicle. Having an extended car warranty, also called a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan, can be a game-changer. These plans can give car owners the confidence of a financial safety net against mechanical breakdowns all winter long.

Cold winter weather can add excess stress to your engine and other components, resulting in the mechanical failure of the radiator, thermostat, or water pump. Endurance auto protection plans, in particular, offer coverage for most common winter mechanical problems, like car engine failure or cooling system malfunctions.

Endurance Warranty plans can help keep your vehicle running smoother and longer by reducing or eliminating the cost of expensive car repairs. Endurance customers can choose a customizable vehicle service contract that fits their needs and budget. You have the freedom to choose what is or isn’t included in your auto protection plan as well as the payment terms.

Not only that, but every Endurance Warranty plan keeps you from being stranded in the cold by including additional perks, such as 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, gas delivery, and lockout assistance. Also included are additional benefits, such as:

• Trip interruption coverage
• Rental car reimbursement
• Exclusive use of the Endurance Mobile app

You can also maximize your benefits by activating a year of our Endurance Elite Benefits.* Get more than $2,000 worth of extra perks, like:

• 4 tire repairs or replacements annually
• Key fob replacement
• Up to $500 in collision discounts
• Up to $1,000 in total loss protection

Protect Your Car and the Environment with Eco-friendly Antifreeze and Endurance

Making greener choices wherever possible can benefit your life and the environment around you. Using eco-friendly car products like antifreeze can reduce your carbon footprint, making the world a little healthier one step at a time. You can also participate in World Car Free Day, participate in carpools, and add additional eco-friendly driving techniques and automotive alternatives.

Keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance, like flushing the cooling system and checking antifreeze levels, keeps your vehicle running optimally and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Unfortunately, eventually, even the most well-maintained vehicles break down over time, and parts require repair and replacement.

Protect your vehicle against winter mechanical issues with an extended warranty. Call to speak directly to an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 or request your FREE quote online.  If you’d like to skip the phone call and take a hands-on approach, you can also shop our eStore to see your plan recommendations and pricing now.

Find answers to many of your frequently asked questions in the Endurance Learning Center. From finding out the definitions of car warranty terminology to car blogs written by automotive experts, we want to give you the tools you need to drive confidently on the road ahead.