Tech Corner Tips: Storing, Handling and Disposing Automotive Fluids

June 21, 2023August 1, 2023 Michele Boyarsky 0 Comments Antifreeze, Car Fluids, Coolant, Disposal, DIY, Drain Pan, Garage, Lucas Oil, Oil, Recycle, storage

Learn how to keep the automotive fluids in your garage organized and environmentally responsible.

Have you ever wondered what happens to that used motor oil after an oil change? Or worried about how to properly dispose of the old and unusable automotive fluids cluttering up your garage? It’s not just a matter of tossing them in the trash or pouring them down the drain.

Automotive fluids require special attention, and understanding the ins and outs of collecting, storing and disposing of them is essential to maintaining a clean and efficient workspace. (It also earns you a few brownie points in the environmental impact department.)

Whether you’re a DIY newbie with no clue where to start or grizzled veteran gearhead looking for a refresher, below you’ll find some valuable insights and practical tips to make your fluid management routine a breeze.

Types of Automotive Fluids

Understanding the specific properties and functions of different car fluids is crucial for proper storage, handling and disposal. Not only can you more easily comply with safety guidelines and environmental regulations, but also manufacturer recommendations – so you’re not jeopardizing the integrity of your vehicle with old or comprised fluids.

Check out this list of the most commonly used automotive fluids, along with some of their unique properties and concerns.

Motor Oil

Largely responsible for lubricating the engine and reducing friction, motor oil also cleans, cools and prevents corrosion. It consists of base oil and additives, and comes in different viscosities, which indicate its flow characteristics at different temperatures.

While not flammable, motor oil is combustible. It also contains toxic chemicals that can contaminate the environment and harm wildlife. On the bright side, motor oil is recyclable and can be reprocessed for further use.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Circulating through the engine and radiator absorbing heat, coolant is typically a 50-50 mixture of water and antifreeze that both regulates engine temperature and prevents freezing.

Both coolant and antifreeze are flammable — and extremely toxic. Antifreeze, in particular, is a very dangerous poison because it has a vivid color and sweet taste that animals and children may be drawn to, but even small amounts can be highly fatal.

Transmission Fluid

Responsible for lubricating the transmission system, transmission fluid ensures smooth gear shifting and helps reduce friction and heat. It also aids in cooling and, in automatic transmissions, provides hydraulic pressure for operation.

Because of transmission fluid’s high flash point, it is classified as combustible rather than flammable. Like motor oil, it contains toxic components that can be very harmful to the environment but, thankfully, can be repurposed when recycled through the proper channels.

Brake Fluid

Transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brakes, brake fluid is what allows you and your vehicle to come to a safe stop. It operates under high temperatures and pressures, and comes in different viscosity ratings and boiling points, depending on performance requirements.

While flammability is not as much of a concern with brake fluid, poison control certainly is. There are some nasty and toxic chemicals at work here, so ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact are all top concerns. Used brake fluid is hazardous, but can be recycled.

Power Steering Fluid

Like brake fluid, power steering fluid creates a hydraulic link in order to transfer energy. In this case, it connects the steering wheel and the front wheels so you can turn and steer with minimal effort. It also lubricates and protects the power steering components.

Power steering fluid is combustible rather than flammable, thanks to its high flash point. It is toxic to the environment, and not exactly something you want to be regularly handling, so aim to avoid direct contact with the skin or eyes and work in a well-ventilated area.

Fuel

Fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, powers the engine, providing the energy required for combustion and driving the vehicle. Toxic and highly flammable, it should be handled with caution and measures should be taken to avoid spills and prolonged contact with skin.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Used for cleaning the windshield, this fluid improves visibility by removing dirt, dust, and debris. It’s easy to think this is just a mild, watered-down soap but windshield washer fluid can be highly toxic if inhaled or ingested, leading to blindness, organ damage and severe neurological damage.

Storage

Reading about the chemical properties of automotive fluids, it’s easy to see why exercising caution is so important. Thankfully, this isn’t a complicated undertaking – a little knowledge and some new good habits will go a long way.

The first step is figuring out how to best store those chemicals to ensure safety and effectiveness. There are three main areas of concern: containment, labeling and environment.

Choosing the Right Containers

Generally, the rule of thumb is to store automotive fluids in their original packaging. This not only makes it easy to identify what’s what, but also guarantees you have fast access to vital product information, like safety instructions and expiration dates.

Plus, remember that these containers have been specially engineered to prevent leaks, spills, contamination and other dangerous mishaps. Packaging engineers perform all kinds of crazy tests – dropping pallets off tall shelves to determine breaking points, ripping into boxes with a utility knife to check puncture resistance – all in the interest of developing a safe and sturdy design. They also go through a lot of blueprinting to ensure the packaging is easy to open, handle, close and store.

Suffice it to say, manufacturers are thorough when brainstorming fluid containers. So, if you can maintain the original bottle, box or squeeze pouch, that’s ideal.

Sometimes, an alternative container is necessary. In that case, it’s crucial you select one that is compatible with the specific fluid you are storing. We’re dealing with some toxic stuff here – so toxic that it can corrode or negatively react with the containment material.

Usually, containers made of materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic are the best bet, but be safe and always check the fluid manufacturer’s recommendations beforehand. Additionally, make sure you use something with a tight-fitting lid and label it accordingly.

Labeling and Organization

Speaking of labeling, that’s the next good habit to get into. If you’re using an alternative container (like a plastic jug), be sure to clearly label what’s inside. All containers should be marked with the date you opened them, along with expiration date and any relevant safety information to ensure maximum effectiveness the next time you need to pull it off the shelf.

It’s important to remember that not just the car fluids need to be stored properly—so do the mess rags you use. Tossing all those old rags into the corner of the garage is a recipe for disaster. Just ask the National Fire Prevention Association.

According to the NFPA, an average of 800 house fires are caused every year by oily rags catching fire or spontaneously combusting. Avoid disaster by laying out rags to dry in a well-ventilated area away from nosy kids or animals. Once dry, you can seal them in a fire-resistant bucket filled halfway with water and laundry soap until you can dispose of them at your nearest household hazardous waste facility.

Temperature and Environment

Equally important to fluid containment is fluid environment. Exposing fluids to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or excessive heat, can have disastrous consequences. Plus, a poor storage location will simply degrade those automotive fluids you paid good money for.

Aim for a setup that is cool, dry and well-ventilated to avoid contamination or a build-up of fumes. Store fluids in designated areas away from heat and ignition sources (for obvious reasons), and avoid those prone to freezing, as low temperatures can cause fluids to solidify or expand.

Handling

The next area for concern is how to safely handle those caustic chemicals. They may be the lifeblood of your vehicle, but their effect on the human body is anything but healthy. To ensure you don’t wind up in Urgent Care (or somewhere worse), keep these tips in mind:

Prioritize Personal Safety. Gloves, goggles, masks, long sleeves, rubber aprons – whatever you must don to keep your skin, eyes, and delicate internal organs free of toxic and corrosive damage, put it on.

Avoid Cross Contamination. Most home garages contain a lot more than just automotive fluids. From tiki torch oil to pool chlorine, there are a lot of nasty chemicals hanging around. Always use dedicated funnels, pumps, or containers for each type of fluid to avoid mixing or introducing impurities. Contamination can affect fluid performance and potentially damage vehicle components – not to mention, you!

Never Mix. As noted above, mixing non-compatible chemicals can have nasty side effects, but so can presumably similar ones. For example, many IAT and OAT coolants do not mix, instead congealing into a jelly-like sludge that gums up the system and can cause serious damage.

Consider Your Collection Methods. Do you know what a pain it is cleaning up fluid spills in the garage? Avoid the hassle by pouring slowing and steadily when transferring liquids, and taking care to use the proper drip pan for the job you’re tackling. Similarly, if you’re draining coolant, don’t yank off the hose from the bottom of the radiator. Take a moment to look for the drain valve and set up the correct drain pan.

Disposal

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to care about how your old car fluids will affect the environment. Simply discarding fluids in the trash or pouring them down the drain can have seriously harmful consequences for the ecosystem — and your neighbors.

Oil may come out of the ground, but it was drawn from way below the surface. It has no place running down the driveway or seeping through the gravel in your lot. One measly gallon can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater.

Additionally, coolants are highly toxic to animals and can easily kill grass and plants. So, do Mother Nature a solid and pick up some cheap storage and disposal containers at the local parts store before you start. Then, take a few minutes online to learn where you can safely toss the stuff when you’re done.

Many auto parts stores, service stations, or even local government agencies offer recycling programs for automotive fluids. They also usually have setups for safe disposal of those fluids that cannot be repurposed. (Just note that specific disposal methods may vary by location and local regulations.)