What blend is the antifreeze in the fire apparatus?

The antifreeze in fire apparatus is typically a 50/50 blend of water and antifreeze. This ratio is ideal for providing effective freezing protection while also helping to prevent overheating during operation. The 50/50 mixture strikes a balance between ensuring that the engine and cooling systems maintain optimal temperature ranges across a wide variety of environmental conditions, minimizing the risk of freezing in cold weather and maximizing the cooling properties in high temperatures.

Different blends can compromise engine performance or protection. For instance, a higher concentration of antifreeze might enhance freezing protection but could impair cooling efficiency, while a lower concentration might not adequately prevent freezing. Therefore, the 50/50 blend is the industry standard for fire apparatus to ensure reliability and safety.