“The agency has
determined that a quick, inexpensive, and environmentally safe process
exists to disable the engine of the trade-in vehicle while in the
dealer’s possession. Removing the engine oil from the crankcase,
replacing it with a 40 percent solution of sodium silicate (a substance
used in similar concentrations in many common vehicle applications,
including patching mufflers and radiators), and running the engine for
a short period of time at low speeds renders the engine inoperable.
Generally, this will require
just two quarts of the sodium silicate solution. The retail price for
two quarts of this solution (enough to disable the largest engine under
the program) is under $7, and the time involved should not
substantially exceed that of a typical oil change.
The agency has tested this method at its Vehicle Research and Test Center and found it safe, quick,and effective.”
