September 9, 2006 - A major battle is going on right now between two major antifreeze marketers. The FTC will probably determine the winner.

Who and what's it all about?

Sometime well before March 2006, Valvoline, the producer of Zerex antifreeze/coolant, challenged Honeywell's advertising claims that its Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant could be used in "all makes and models," and that it was "compatible" with any other coolant. Valvoline's challenge was placed with NAD, the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

On March 8, 2006, NAD announced it had sided with Valvoline and reccommeded that Honeywell discontinue both of said claims. Honeywell appealed that decision. You can read the details of NAD's decision at: http://www.gohtsn.com/article_198.shtml

On June 22, 2006, NARB (the National Advertising Review Board), via a report of its Panel 134, rejected Honeywell's appeal. Honeywell, unwilling to admit any wrongdoing, continued with their line of advertising.

On August 24, 2006, NARB fired off a letter to Mary Engle, Associate Director of the Division of Advertising Practices, Federal Trade Commission. The detailed letter ends by asking the FTC to "determine if it presents issues that warrant a formal review by the Commission."

Stay tuned to Cool Profit$ Magazine and the Heat Transfer Service Network. We will keep you informed of all future decisions and outcomes as quickly as possible.