This electronic brochure highlights our capabilities and activities in the area of Car Care Product Evaluation. Please sign our guestbook. For additional information, e-mail Larry Eckhardt, Southwest Research Institute.

Car Care Product Evaluation

Southwest Research Institute has extensive experience in evaluating the variety of car care products found on the market, including:

  • Fuel additives
  • Engine oil additives
  • Waxes
  • Brake fluids
  • Tire cleaners
  • Vinyl and rubber polishes
  • Greases
  • Coolant and anti-freeze additives
  • Crankcase flushes
  • Chrome polishes

Test results are used for proof of performance, optimum formulation, comparative data, qualification, and quality control.

Laser diffraction is used to quantify the effects of additives on injector spray patterns of diesel fuel.

Gasoline additives are routinely evaluated in both carburetted and fuel-injected engines. Because there are no standardized requirements for detergency, test conditions can vary. Octane numbers can be obtained in CFR engines using ASTM D-2700 and ASTM D-2699 test methods. Additives can be tested for effects on emissions at our EPA-approved emissions laboratory.

Diesel fuel additives are tested for injector plugging using various test methods. The ASTM D-97 Pour Point Test is used to evaluate diesel fuel additives and their effects in cold weather operations. Cetane numbers are determined using the ASTM D-613 engine test method.

Engine oil additives are evaluated for efficiency in reducing oil consumption and engine wear, increasing fuel economy and performance, and reducing engine deposits.

Crankcase flushes are evaluated to demonstrate their ability to remove sludge and varnish deposits from engine components. Both proprietary and custom methods can be used for these evaluations.

Carburetor spray cleaners and engine degreasers are evaluated for efficacy. They can also be rated through comparative testing.

Antifreeze and coolant additives are evaluated in several D-2570 Simulated Service Test and D-2809 Aluminum Pump Cavitation Test machines. In addition, all of the tests listed in ASTM D-3306, (including the D-4340 Aluminum Corrosion Test), as well as numerous tests listed in various commercial and military coolant specifications, are routinely conducted and are available in our laboratories. We are a member of the ASTM D-15 Antifreeze Committee.

The ASTM D-2570 Simulated Service Test of Antifreeze evaluates corrosion-inhibiting quality of antifreeze that comes in contact with six different metals common to automotive cooling systems.

Car waxes are tested using the ASTM D-3836 method, which determines ease of application and removal, cleaning ability, and durability of shine.

Standard ASTM procedure is used to evaluate waxes for automobile finishes. Water beading is among the factors considered when judging durability of car wax.

Polishes add luster and protection to vinyl surfaces inside and outside of automobiles. Gloss and durability are measured by trained staff members.

Brake fluids are tested according to FMVSS 116 methods, which determine if the fluids meet requirements for DOT-3, DOT-4, or DOT-5 quality.

This brochure was published in June 1994. For more information about car care product evaluation, contact Larry Eckhardt, Fuels and Lubricants Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-2980, Fax (210) 684-7523.

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