If your car isn’t making you ill, its fluids might
TROUBLESHOOTER From coolant to brake fluid, storage is key
You don’t have to be a hardcore DIY auto fanatic to have a garage littered with half- full bottles of t his- and- t hat. While many of us are aware of the dangers of fires with improper fluid storage, there are other risks than aren’t quite so apparent.
Containers: Just about everything you purchase today seems to come in a plastic container, and that might be fine for many household products, but certain auto fluids will degrade plastics over time. If the product inside has any oils or mineral spirits, or regular-grade gasoline, it can weaken the resins in the plastics. Usually the first thing you might notice is that a twist-on cap will be cracked, so never store these containers on their sides.
This process can take years, but sometimes we keep things around that long. If enough dust has collected on the container to the point that you can’t read the label, it’s time to take it to your local hazardous waste depot.
Fuel containers are another thing altogether. When the temperature of fuel rises, it will emit vapours, and if the container isn’t vented, it will expand and may leak. These containers need to be checked regularly to release any pressure buildup and they must be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Engine coolant: This might seem l i ke an i nnocuous product, but it has one unique f eature t hat can cause illness or even death. Most coolants taste sweet. While f ew humans ever die from ingesting coolant, many small pets do every year. Keep coolant containers out of reach and secure, and if the container leaks or is spilled, immediately clean things up and properly dispose of the fluid.
Brake fluid: This mineral oil is like most automotive fluids, in that it’s not meant to be ingested, but a lesserknown feature is its effect on automotive paint. It will permanently stain your auto’s finish, if left in contact for even a few minutes. If you have the need to top up your vehicle’s brake fluid, be careful and have some water on hand to rinse off any drops that may hit the paint.
Battery acid: Thankfully, batteries that can be topped up have pretty much disappeared from the mainstream. Battery acid or electrolyte is extremely corrosive and can burn exposed skin within a few seconds. Even the best maintenance- free battery can overheat and emit fumes if it develops an internal problem, or the vehicle’s alternator starts to overcharge. These fumes are extremely flammable and come with a very unique rotten- egg or sulphur- type smell. If your car starts emitting this odour, immediately move it to a well- ventilated, outdoor area and turn off the engine. Never try to boost a battery that is emitting this odour because even the slightest spark from the booster cables can ignite the fumes.