Antifreeze is an essential vehicle fluid you can’t do without, as it keeps your cooling system dialed in. Along with protecting against extreme heat and cold, it shields against corrosion. 

Given that frequent top-offs and regular flush and fills are a part of vehicle maintenance, it makes sense to keep antifreeze on hand in your garage. But maybe you’re worried about the hazards that come with this fluid - is antifreeze flammable or not? 

Fortunately, you don’t have too much to worry about. Antifreeze isn’t classified as highly flammable. Under specific conditions, though, it could ignite. This of course requires open flames or exposure to extremely high temperatures. 

So, learn more about the risks of antifreeze below to keep yourself, your vehicle, and your home safe. We’ll explore the antifreeze flammability in greater detail and provide tips on mitigating any hazards.

The Role of Antifreeze

First thing first, why do I need antifreeze? It regulates engine temperatures under extreme conditions. Whether you’re driving through the blistering heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter, antifreeze keeps your engine operating optimally by preventing overheating and freezing.

This alone makes it essential, as it saves you from more expensive repairs associated with cracked engine blocks, ruptured hoses, and more. But that’s not all it does. Antifreeze also protects internal components from corrosion and mineral build-up.

Many antifreeze types include additives that shield engine parts such as the radiator, water pump, and cylinder heads from wear and tear caused by rust or scale deposits.

It’s important to note that although they’re commonly used interchangeably, antifreeze and coolant are not the same thing. In comparing coolant vs antifreeze, antifreeze is the concentrated liquid that is then mixed with distilled water. The ensuing mixture is coolant, which is what actually goes in your car.

But enough background information, you came here to learn about the flammability of antifreeze. So, is antifreeze flammable or not? 

Is Antifreeze Flammable or Not?

By its nature, antifreeze is not classified as a highly flammable substance under normal circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients that could be of concern - what is antifreeze made of?

Its primary ingredient, ethylene glycol (or sometimes propylene glycol in less toxic formulations) has a relatively high flashpoint. This essentially means it requires substantial heat to ignite, typically around 111°C (232°F).

In rare situations, though, antifreeze can burn if it comes into contact with a flame or reaches its flashpoint. It may be more hazardous when mixed with other flammable fluids, too. That’s why mixing antifreeze properly is so important.

All that being said, vapours from heated antifreeze are unlikely to ignite in standard vehicle use. Still, they can present risks if concentrated in confined spaces. On that note, let’s take a closer look at some other hazards associated with this vehicle fluid. 

Other Hazards Associated With Antifreeze

The antifreeze flammability isn’t really cause for concern. But, there are a few risks related to the chemical composition and environmental impact of antifreeze that you should be aware of.

Toxicity to Humans and Animals

While ethylene glycol isn’t particularly flammable, it is quite toxic. It has a sweet taste which makes it particularly dangerous if ingested, especially by pets or children. Even small amounts can be fatal. 

Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, kidney failure or death. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is a safer alternative, as it’s less toxic, though ingestion should still be avoided.

Environmental Risks

Spills and leaks from antifreeze can be detrimental to the environment. Antifreeze can contaminate ecosystems and prove lethal to wildlife if it seeps into soil or water sources. 

This is why every vehicle owner should read our guide on how to dispose of antifreeze. Never pour antifreeze down drains, onto the ground, or into open water systems.

Corrosive Properties

While antifreeze is designed to protect against corrosion in a vehicle’s cooling system, improper use or degraded antifreeze can have the opposite effect. 

Contaminated or old antifreeze can become acidic over time, leading to corrosion of metal parts such as the radiator, water pump, or engine block. 

So how long does engine coolant last on average? 3-5 years is typically a safe bet, but upon opening the container, we suggest using it within a year. 

Slippery Surfaces

Antifreeze spills create slippery surfaces that can pose a significant safety hazard in garages or driveways. This is true of just about any vehicle fluid for that matter. Prompt cleanup helps avoid accidents.

Vapour Exposure

Although antifreeze doesn’t produce harmful fumes under normal conditions, heating it in confined spaces could release vapours that may cause irritation to the respiratory system. 

Proper ventilation is important when working with antifreeze in enclosed areas. That being said, let’s share a few more ways to stay safe when handling or storing antifreeze. 

Staying Safe When Handling Antifreeze

We don’t want to make it sound like the risks surrounding antifreeze aren’t real - they are. But, they can all be mitigated with proper storage and handling. Here’s what you need to know:

Proper Storage

Always keep antifreeze in its original, labelled container to avoid confusion. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or open flames. This will eliminate any worries about flammability or combustion.

Containers should be out of reach and tightly sealed so that children or pets cannot access the internal contents, in turn minimising any concerns of toxicity.

Wear Protective Gear

PPE (personal protective equipment) should be worn anytime you’re mixing, filling, draining, or disposing of antifreeze. This includes gloves to protect your skin from contact with antifreeze, which can irritate or harm sensitive skin.

While it may sound like overkill, we recommend wearing safety goggles as well to prevent accidental splashes into your eyes. Always work in a well-ventilated area to minimise exposure to vapours, especially during draining or filling.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

This one is obvious - any antifreeze spills must be addressed immediately to avoid slips and falls. Use absorbent materials like sand or cat litter and then sweep it up. 

The contaminated material should be disposed of in accordance with local hazardous waste guidelines. As touched on earlier, this means never hosing it down a drain or into the soil. A recycling centre or automotive shop that accepts hazardous waste is your best bet.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Specific dilution ratios and safety guidelines will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You should always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on the antifreeze container. Only use the type of antifreeze recommended for your vehicle to avoid compatibility issues, too.

 

Our blog has more insights on how to check coolant level in car, where to put antifreeze in car, how much coolant to put in car, how to drain coolant from car, does the car need to be running when adding coolant, and which engine coolant for my car is optimal.

Speaking of choosing the right engine coolant, though, remember that Jennychem is your trusted choice in the UK, whether you are an individual car owner or you manage a vast fleet of vehicles. 

We have the best antifreeze formulation no matter the age, make, or model of your vehicle. You’ll also enjoy the most competitive antifreeze price without any compromise in quality. With world-class customer service every step of the way, what more could you ask for?

Shop today and give your vehicle’s engine the protection it deserves. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is going to run reliably for years to come!

Closing Thoughts on Antifreeze Flammability

So is antifreeze flammable? In closing, there’s not much to worry about here as long as you’re not exposing the fluid to an open flame. It has a relatively low flammability rating. 

This, and all the other hazards surrounding antifreeze, can be mitigated through proper storage and handling. Hopefully you’re left now with peace of mind and clarity on how to protect yourself, your home, your loved ones, and of course, your vehicle. 

Learn more about coolant colours, windscreen washer not working, at what temperature does a car need antifreeze, homemade deicer, how to deice car windows, screenwash frozen, why they spread salt on the roads in winter, and what salt works best to melt ice in our blog.

Otherwise, it’s time to invest in the most essential vehicle fluids and other products at Jennychem - from our antifreeze to bulk adblue, windscreen de icer, car screen wash, and even professional car cleaning products UK car owners love like traffic film remover.

So, browse our options today and invest in only the best for your vehicle. Trust Jennychem for premium antifreeze that prioritises safety and performance!