Antifreeze Season: Why Winter Increases This Risk

Antifreeze poisoning, already one of the most dangerous common household toxin exposures, becomes a more relevant seasonal concern specifically in colder months, when both antifreeze use and the likelihood of leaks or spills genuinely increase compared to warmer parts of the year.

Vehicle antifreeze/coolant use peaks in fall and winter as people winterize vehicles and top off coolant systems ahead of cold weather, meaning more antifreeze is present and being actively handled during this period than in summer months.

Cold weather increases the likelihood of coolant system leaks and cracks, since materials can become more brittle in extreme cold, and older or already-stressed cooling system components are more likely to fail during this seasonal temperature stress, creating more opportunities for a puddle in a driveway or under a parked car.

Pets spend more time near vehicles and garages during winter in some households, seeking any available warmth, which can inadvertently increase exposure opportunity if a leak or spill happens to be present in these areas.

The sweet taste that makes antifreeze appealing to pets doesn't change with the season, meaning the underlying attraction risk is constant — what changes is the increased likelihood of exposure opportunity during this specific time of year given the factors above.

Checking your own vehicle and garage area regularly during winter months for any signs of coolant leaks — a sweet smell, a colored puddle (often bright green, though color varies by product) under a parked vehicle — is a simple seasonal habit that catches a leak before a pet has the chance to encounter it.

What to do: Increase vigilance about coolant leaks specifically during fall and winter months, check your garage and driveway area regularly, and treat any suspected antifreeze exposure as the true emergency it is, given how narrow the effective treatment window can be.

For the full breakdown of why antifreeze specifically is so dangerous and what to do if exposure occurs, here's the complete guide.