IN COMMERCIAL MOTOR ON THIS DAY: 4 NOVEMBER Our man on the frontline was discussing how to stop lorry radiators from freezing in the winter. Most common method was using a 'nosebag' or 'tea-cosy' bonnet cover, but they had to be used in conjunction with a paraffin heater placed under the bonnet. This was a hassle, as first the petrol had to be shut off and the carburettor run dry, to avoid a fire. Another method was to drain the entire cooling system every night, which was incredibly time consuming, and made even more so should the bucket of water freeze! It certainly wasn't conducive to making a hasty getaway. The final solution was adding methylated spirit or glycerine to the water, to lower the freezing temperature. But this also reduced the boiling temperature, sometimes with disastrous consequences.Two years later antifreeze would be invented!
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