Corrosion Commentary

‘Antifreeze’ gets the cold shoulder. Antifreeze must surely be one of the best‐known terms in motoring circles. Why, then, is it being dropped by BSI in favour of the more bureaucratic‐sounding ‘engine coolant concentrate’? The reason is simple: the word ‘antifreeze’ is no longer an accurate description of the immensely useful and versatile products that are being manufactured to the new British Standard BS 6580 Specification for corrosion, inhibiting engine coolant concentrate (‘antifreeze’). They will certainly prevent cracked blocks, damaged hoses, radiators and water pumps as in the past. But to satisfy BS 6580 they must also inhibit corrosion of metal parts in the engine and cooling system, and reduce the risk of the coolant boiling as well as freezing.