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Antifreeze

Differences in the RV Antifreeze Market & Stocking Up for Winter

Here at Dennis K. Burke Inc. we strive to only sell the best products to our customers. There has been a lot of confusion in the marketplace with RV Antifreeze and manufacturers have intentionally blurred the lines by labeling very different products all as “-50 RV Antifreeze”. This issue became much more prevalent around the beginning of the pandemic as propylene glycol became scarce and prices soared.

RV Antifreezes can typically be grouped into 1 of 3 categories:

The first category is alcohol based products (commonly referred to as ethanol based) which contain a variety of alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, glycerin, and methyl isobutyl ketone. While these products are common to see on store shelves everywhere, rarely will you see the ingredients prominently listed on the label. Not only are these products flammable due to the alcohol content, but they will also dry out the seals, hoses and gaskets. They can also corrode and leach chemicals from many types of piping. 

The second category is alcohol blended with propylene glycol. The ratio of alcohol to propylene glycol will vary product to product and can also vary batch to batch for the same product. Because there is no set standard for these products, they often cause the same issues as alcohol based products.

The third category is propylene glycol based products which are 25-30% propylene glycol and water to make -50 RV Antifreeze. Propylene glycol does not have the fire risk of alcohol containing products, nor will it damage the hoses, seals, gaskets and piping. In fact, propylene glycol acts as a lubricant that can extend the life of your seals. For these reasons, this is the only type of RV Antifreeze that Dennis K. Burke Inc. sells so you know your equipment will run Better with Burke. 

Alongside PEAK RV & Marine Antifreeze, stock up on other winter accessories with DKB! As the temperature drops, vehicles and machines require a little extra attention to ensure they run smoothly and reliably throughout the season. 

  • Dyed Ultra Low Sulfur Kerosene: A winter-ready, high-performance energy solution. Available in 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums.
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): DEF is an essential component for diesel-powered vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. During winter, it is crucial to have an ample supply of DEF, as its freezing point is around 12°F (-11°C). Available in 2.5 gallon cases, 5 gallon cases, and 55 gallon drums.
  • Kendall Hyken Glacial Blu Hyd: Maintaining proper hydraulic system performance is vital, especially during winter. This fluid's low-temperature properties ensure smooth hydraulic operation, preventing any potential damage caused by freezing or thickening. It is a great solution for snow plow hydraulic systems. Available in 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums.
  • Fleetline Washer Fluid Premix -25: Driving in winter means dealing with snow, ice, and dirty roads. Fleetline Washer Fluid is an excellent choice with its antifreeze properties, it prevents the fluid from freezing on the windshield while effectively removing dirt and grime. Available in 4 gallon cases and 55 gallon drums.
  • PFC Undercoating Kit: Winter conditions often mean exposure to salt, slush, and other corrosive elements on the roads. The PFC Undercoating Kit provides a durable protective barrier, shielding your vehicle from the harsh winter elements and extending its lifespan. Available in 1 gallon cases.
  • Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement: A must-have during winter. This product prevents fuel gelling and lowers the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) to ensure reliable engine performance in colder temperatures. Available in 32 oz. cases and 55 gallon drums.
  • Kost DefendAl Global Auto ELC RTU 50/50: Keeping your vehicle's coolant system in good condition is crucial, especially in winter. Kost DefendAl Global Auto ELC RTU 50/50 is a ready-to-use coolant that provides excellent freeze protection and corrosion prevention. Available in 3 gallon cases and 55 gallon drums.
  • Power Service Diesel 911: This emergency anti-gel treatment quickly dissolves wax and ice crystals that form in the fuel line, preventing blockages and restoring fuel flow in no time. Available in 32 oz. cases.

Preparing for winter is a task that should not be overlooked. By stocking up on essential winter shop supplies with Dennis K. Burke Inc., you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and avoids potential winter-related issues. So, don't wait until the first snowfall! Get your winter supplies ready and enjoy a safe and trouble-free winter experience. Stay warm and stay safe! Contact us today: ContactUs@burkeoil.com.

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Ethylene Glycol Demand Driving up Antifreeze Costs - Again

Antifreeze prices will be going up for all major suppliers this Spring due to the rising price of Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene Glycol is the main componant of automotive antifreeze - but it is also used in the manufacture of plastics and resins, including plastic soda bottles and it is also used in some medical applications. The increase in demand, especially for manufactured plastics as a result of economic expansion in countries like China has made global prices continue to climb.

As an effect of this, antifreeze manufacturers bear a higher cost of production for finished product, so costs are continuing to rise on the supplier level as well.

Most suppliers have set their increases to take effect on April 1 - we are holding off til April 12th to try and give you an opportunity to beat the increase if you can. If you would like to place an order before the prices increase dont hesitate to contact us at 617-884-7800 or email us at lubeorders@burkeoil.com

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Finally! A truly global Antifreeze!

We're excited to announce that we now stock Peak Global Extended Life Yellow Antifreeze & Coolant. This Antifreeze is for all applications - heavy duty, light duty and automotive. Finally, no more stocking multiple products for multiple uses!

For spec info on this global antifreeze click here

For pricing info, fill out the contact form to the right, call 800-289-2875, or email us at lubeorders@burkeoil.com

Large yellow barrels of Global Antifreeze

 

Dont forget - May 25th is the last day to order lubes before the price increase!

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Where can you find Propylene Glycol? What is this stuff, anyways?

Well of course I can only think of one place that can cover all your propylene glycol needs and that is Dennis K Burke.  This stuff is the best environmentally friendly antifreeze on the planet.  

Propylene Glycol can be used in all industrial applications including chiller systems, ground thaw units, hvac systems and for food grade applications. We stock concentrate as well as 50/50, 60/40, and 40/60 blends in bulk, 55 gallon drums, and 5 gallon pails.  We are also one of the only distributors that can distribute this in bulk with our dedicated antifreeze delivery truck.

If you use propylene glycol (or would like to) and would like DKB to perform a plant walk-through, email me (john.presti@burkeoil.com).

(As an aside: Some customers prefer to have propylene glycol tinted so they can easily detect leaks in their systems, if you prefer tinted product we are happy to oblige, just tell your customer service rep when you place your order.)

So what is propylene glycol, exactly?

Propylene Glycol is basically the alternative to Ethylene Glycol, which is the most common type of antifreeze. Ethylene Glycol works great but the problem is you can't use it anywhere where a leak could come into contact with potable water or food processing systems. Propylene glycol is chemically compatible with ethylene glycol, but far less toxic and that allows it to be used in a broader variety of applications because there is less concern with leaking causing dangerous contamination.

Propylene Glycol is actually in almost everything. Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol is used in deodorant, soda, pet food, cough syrup, even lipstick.  Industrial grade propylene glycol is used in everything from plastics resins, paint, in dishwashing detergent and obviously as a heat transfer fluid (it drops the freezing point of liquids) - so everything from the electrical components and dishwashing detergent in your home, to the solar panels on the roof of our office contains some level of propylene glycol. (This website's brochure has some interesting info on all the things propylene glycol does Propylene-Glycol.com/Brochure )

If you want to learn more about antifreeze in general, including propylene glycol, this website has a really awesome FAQ section that covers everything you'll ever need to know and then some - from how to know youre using the right stuff to how to recycle it. This link will take you to the FAQ section: Antifreeze FAQs

Again, if you use propylene glycol (or would like to) and would like DKB to perform a plant walk-through, email me (john.presti@burkeoil.com). Or you call 1-800-289-2875 to speak to a customer service rep or place an order. Know what you want? Just submit your order online to lubeorders@burkeoil.com

Have a great day!

 

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