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Antifreeze is necessary for the life of your vehicle but it's one of the deadliest substances you can have around. Every year countless household pets, wildlife, even children are poisoned when they ingest antifreeze. It takes only two ounces to kill a dog and as little as a teaspoon to kill a cat.
The primary reason for the high poisoning rate is anitfreeze's sweet smell and taste, which attract animals (and small children) when the substance is spilled or leaks onto the floor. The sweetness is a result of the ethylene glycol base in standard antifreeze.
There are alternatives, however. Some companies are now making propylene-glycol-based antifreeze, which are far less toxic (in fact, propylene glycol is frequently used in consumer products such as cosmetics and medications).
To replace your standard antifreeze, first drain it completely and dispose of it according to local regulations (recycle it if possible). Flush the system with water and refill with the safer alternative formula.
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