Windshield Washer Antifreeze - Label Claim

In December 2004, the Competition Bureau received a complaint regarding a label claim stating minus 40 degrees Celsius freeze protection for windshield washer antifreeze, labelled to four-litre containers. A preliminary test of the product’s density revealed that the windshield washer antifreeze would freeze at minus 32 degrees Celsius.

Under section 7 of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, and under sections 52(1) and 74.01(1) of the Competition Act, it is an offence to make false or misleading representations to the public.

After discussions with Bureau officials, the automotive supply company agreed to correct the current stock of windshield washer antifreeze by adding methanol to meet the required density and to adjust the formulation for the product fill line to meet the minus 40 degrees Celsius freezing point claim. The company also agreed to replace the windshield washer antifreeze for any purchaser that had made a complaint regarding the performance of the product.

Subsequent testing of the windshield washer antifreeze confirmed the minus 40 degrees Celsius claim was met for current stock and bulk formulation for the production fill line. The company has instituted new production procedures to ensure future compliance.

This matter was resolved in January 2005.

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