From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Comparison of different anti-freeze solutions for vehicle radiators, including glycerine, salt, and methylated spirits.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 151\3\ scan0010 | |
| Date | 18th November 1914 guessed | |
| Wor {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} /EH12/L161114. Sheet. 3 like ordinary water as one would naturally expect; when it is warming up or boiling it is possible to ignite the vapour which comes off. Methylated spirit is very effective to prevent water freezing if the water is not going to be heated at all. Glycerine. A 40% solution will not freeze and is quite all right at 9° C below zero, a 30% solution becomes "mushy" at 6° below zero. Taking all points into consideration I consider that a solution of glycerine is the best and most effective preventative against water freezing. The fact that it is generally used gives one confidence in using it and recommending it. The salt solution is a very useful preventative and where glycerine cannot be obtained I should recommend it, it means 15 lbs of salt would have to be put into the radiator on one of our cars. Although the thin oil possesses the double virtue both of preventing freezing and keeping the engine warmer when running I should not like to recommend it for general use, it is "messy" and "smelly" besides having other faults which I have mentioned. | ||