New Climate-Friendlier Coolant Has a Catch: It’s Flammable https://t.co/8V6W7Nn00g
— Wheels (@nytimeswheels) October 22, 2016
To comply with ever-tightening emissions regulations, many major automakers are making the switch from hydrofluorocarbons to a patented new chemical called HFO-1234yf to provide the cooling power in vehicle AC units.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are extremely bad for the environment. They stay in the atmosphere for over a decade, and have a global-warming potential (GWP) over 1,000 times higher than carbon dioxide. HFO-1234yf, on the other hand, was found by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to have a GWP less than that of CO2.
Many of the pre-owned vehicles available near Albany at Wedekind Motors have already upgraded to the new eco-friendly refrigerant, including several newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep models.
There's only one snag -- they might be explosive?
In 2012, Daimler found that the HFO-1234yf refrigerant could ignite under certain crash conditions. Explosive may be a massive exaggeration, but the liquid can set fire, and when it burns it releases a toxic gas.
Before you run for an older model with less-flammable, environment-wrecking HFC coolant, there are a few reasons Daimler's findings shouldn't scare you... much. Other organizations, including SAE International, and the Joint Research Center of the European Union have both found that HFO-1234yf is less likely to ignite than other fluids already under the hood, including brake fluid and motor oil.
Have questions about safety, and the availability of new features on used vehicle models? Contact Wedekind Motors for answers!