You should use antifreeze when winterizing your RV, especially since it is crucial to the health of your car. Antifreeze prevents residual water in your lines and tanks from freezing when temperatures drop below freezing while camping in colder climates. During the winter, your tanks and lines will not freeze with residual water. There are certain risks to be aware of when using antifreeze in an RV, despite products designed specifically for it. Throughout this article, you will learn what antifreeze is, how it works, and how to use it safely.
How does antifreeze work?
By lowering the freezing point of water in subzero temperatures, antifreeze slows the expansion of water. All antifreeze contains alcohol, which raises the freezing point of water. There are three main chemical components in antifreeze:
- Ethanol
- Propylene glycol
- ethylene glycol
1. Ethanol:
Due to the amount of ethanol in this type of antifreeze, it is not suitable for Unique products, as the ethanol kills the bacteria that break down the waste. To prevent rubber gaskets from drying out too quickly, make sure they are in good condition before applying this type of antifreeze; ethanol antifreeze should work fine for seals in good condition, but worn and brittle seals can be pushed to the brink of effectiveness if you use it regularly.
2. Propylene glycol
Campers, humans and the planet are safer when using propylene glycol antifreeze. Antifreeze containing propylene glycol is generally referred to as RV antifreeze. The level of propylene glycol in this type of RV antifreeze is not high enough to kill bacteria, according to Unique. Bacteria will consume antifreeze at some point because it contains low levels of propylene glycol. To prevent freezing, sewage tanks must be periodically treated with antifreeze.
3. Ethylene glycol
Filling RVs with ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic, is not recommended. RV holding tanks should not be filled with automotive antifreeze, which contains this chemical. Extreme caution should be exercised when using this product as it is highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or spilled.
Unlike automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol), RV antifreeze (ethanol and propylene glycol) should not be mixed. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and designed for powerful engines, unlike the antifreeze used in plastic holding tanks. The purpose of RV antifreeze is to reduce the likelihood of RV holding tanks being damaged due to freezing. Unlike ethanol-based RV antifreeze, propylene glycol actually lubricates the seals and prevents the rubber seals from drying out.
