Brake oil is an automobile transmission fluid composed of a mixture of toxic glycols and glycol ethers. Poisoning is an uncommon but potentially fatal outcome of toxic alcohol ingestion. Because the toxic effects are caused by the metabolites of ethylene glycol rather than the agents themselves, Anion and osmolar gaps are often used for the diagnosis. A case of poisoning with toxic glycol based brake fluid is reported who presented with metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure. He was treated successfully with ethanol, haemodialysis and vitamin cofactors. © 2009 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.