Windshield & Antifreeze Poisoning

Windshield wiper fluid allows us to quickly wipe away dirt, dust, slush, and other grime from our windshields while driving. This ensures that our windshields stay clear so that we can see the road ahead. Windshield wiper fluid also can reveal crack or chips in dirty windshields. If you need a windshield repair or replacement in Brampton, call Autoglass Brampton at (905) 564-5330 today.

Windshield wiper fluid is usually a blue coloured liquid that is used in vehicles for cleaning the windshield. It helps to improve visibility by cleaning stains as well as melts ice during stormy weathers. The key chemical in wiper fluid is called methanol.

Antifreeze is most often a green liquid, and sometimes called coolant is used to keep the water in your radiator from freezing in cold temperatures. It also keeps the same water from boiling over in hotter temperatures. The key chemical component in antifreeze is called ethylene glycol.

Both products are efficient at their jobs when it comes to improving driving safety, but they are both poisons. The key ingredients are both toxic. A small amount such as a table spoon of ethylene glycol can cause something as severe as kidney failure or death. An even smaller amount of methanol equivalent to a teaspoon cause cause blindness or death.

If poisoning occurs, do not “wait and see” for something to happen. Sometimes the effects are not noticeable for several hours.

Some possible effects of poisoning:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart rhythm changes
• Blurry or double vision
• Seizures
• Kidney or liver failure

Ways to prevent poisoning:

• Store products out of reach and out of sight
• Use the original containers
• Keep lids sealed tightly
• Clean up any spills or leaks immediately

Need a windshield repair or replacement in Brampton? Call Auto Glass Brampton today at (905) 564-5330 or get a quote online!