Q&A Hotlist
Q. How long does it take for results to be sent?
A. There is a 24 hour turn around from the time the sample is received in the lab.
Q. When do we start flagging abnormal wear?
A. Each individual system in a vehicle or piece of equipment has unique wear characteristics. Factors we review before producing a report include the type of system, make, model, hours/miles on the oil, how much oil has been added since the last oil change and the application of the vehicle or equipment. Because these factors, and many more, are taken into account for interpretation of raw test results, standard "acceptable" number ranges really don't apply.
Q. Why are certain additive metals always high?
A. Quite often, the answer to that question is in the oil itself. Modern engine oils are formulated with a wide variety of additives including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Oil additives help to keep the components clean, disperse deposits to reduce wear, help sludge drain during an oil change and increase the lubricity of the oil.
Q. How often should samples be tested?
A. Every time the fluid is changed. This way a trend can be established on the system.
Q. Can we extend oil changes?
A. Extending oil change intervals is one of the best known benefits of fluids analysis but it must be done safely to ensure that no damage is done to your vehicles or equipment. Extending oil changes depends on the application of the unit and the wear seen in the systems. We work with you to design an effective program which typically includes gradually increasing the drain intervals and frequent testing. This process ensures that the right drain interval is found and no damage is done to your units.
Q. How many hours/miles after an oil change before pulling the next sample?
A. 1000 miles or 50 hours on an engine and 2000 miles or 100 hours on a transmission.
Q. I received a report with A B C results, but I want ppm readings. What do I do?
A. Call our 1-800 number and ask for technical services.
Q. Can someone explain this report to me?
A. Call our 1-800 number and ask for technical services.
Q. Can you tell if a synthetic product was put in my system?
A. Our testing instruments are set to check metals and contaminants only. If this is for insurance purposes, we can direct you to another laboratory that can provide that information.
Q. I have a rush sample, how fast can you respond to me?
A. Call the lab ahead of time and we will expedite the processing of your sample. We can give you verbal information within three hours of receiving the sample.
Q. What can you really tell by running a sample?
A. Contaminants, such as water, gas/fuel, antifreeze, dirt; and excessive wear caused by these contaminants.
Q. Why do I have to take a hot sample?
A. It is critical to get a sample that represents what is happening in the system. With a hot sample particles are suspended in the oil that we can read to determine what is wearing.
Q. My oil gets dark just a few miles after an oil change. Why?
A. Some of this darkening could be caused by left overs from the old oil. It is also likely that the darkening of the oil is due to the additive package in the new oil doing its job of keeping components clean.
Q. Can't I sample just once in a while?
A. Oil analysis is best done by trending. Small wear particles are seen. As wear continues these particles get bigger and past the point of the instruments being able to read them. Some wear could be missed because of this.
Still have questions? Click here for Technical Support or call us at 1-800-848-4826.
