Engine Oil Testing — Condition Monitoring & Failure Analysis

Engine oil testing protects engines by identifying contamination, additive depletion and degradation products that affect performance and life. AGT Labs delivers accredited, traceable results using ISO/IEC 17025–listed ASTM and IP methods appropriate for condition monitoring and forensic investigation.

Our accredited scope focuses on standardised tests that are within the laboratory's ISO/IEC 17025 schedule: visual and colorimetric assessments, copper corrosion (IP/ASTM), carbon residue, non-volatile residue/gravimetric methods, water detection by listed procedures, and refractive index checks. Results support maintenance decisions, warranty investigations and root-cause analysis.

Who benefits: fleet operators, OEMs, MRO shops, asset owners and reliability engineers.

Service Highlights

Visual and color evaluations (ASTM visual and tristimulus methods) for routine condition checks.
Non-volatile residue and carbon residue testing by validated gravimetric and Ramsbottom methods.
Copper corrosion, free water detection, and refractive index screening using accredited IP/ASTM methods.

Industries We Serve

Commercial Fleets & Trucking — preventive oil analysis for scheduled maintenance.
Heavy Machinery & Construction — component wear monitoring and lubricant health checks.
Marine & Power Generation — crankcase & turbine oil surveillance.
OEMs & MROs — warranty support and failure forensics.

Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation

Analytical Systems (Accredited Methods)

We execute ISO/IEC 17025–listed ASTM and IP procedures using accredited instruments for visual/colorimetric assessment, gravimetric residue determinations, Ramsbottom apparatus, refractometry and standard titration/inspection techniques. Where an accredited method exists, it is used and reported on the COA.

Condition Monitoring Support

Standard accredited panels for routine condition checks (color, residue, copper corrosion, free water).
Interpretive reporting aligned to typical fleet thresholds; trendable COAs for repeated sampling.
For forensic investigations we supply documented sampling kits and chain-of-custody; advanced investigations using non-accredited techniques can be arranged and quoted separately.

Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody

Representative engine oil sampling is essential for reliable results. We supply accredited sampling guidance and kits for crankcases, sump drains, dip-sticks and in-line samplers. Provide operating hours, recent maintenance and fluid change dates when submitting samples to aid interpretation.

Containers & Handling

Use clean PET or metal-lined containers provided in sampling kits; avoid contamination from tools or funnels.
Label sample ID, machine ID, hours, date/time and operator.

Transport

Seal samples and ship promptly; for forensic cases include tamper-evident seals and witness paperwork.
Include service history and operating conditions to aid interpretation.
For returned components (filtration / particle analysis) follow packaging guidance to avoid contamination.

Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation

Engine oil testing COAs include only accredited method references and results when the tests are within the laboratory's ISO/IEC 17025 scope. Reports provide interpretive comments and trendable results for fleet programs. Raw instrument outputs for accredited tests can be supplied on request.

COA Contents: Sample ID, accredited test methods (ASTM/IP), results, units, measurement uncertainty where applicable, analyst initials and authorized signatory.
Trend Analysis: Multi-sample trend reports and fleet dashboards available for accredited panels.
Advisory: Recommendations on sampling frequency, oil change intervals and immediate actions based on accredited findings.

Standards & Accreditation

Engine oil testing follows ISO/IEC 17025–accredited ASTM and IP methods where listed in the laboratory's scope. A full list of accredited methods is available on request; tests not shown in the accredited scope will be quoted and reported separately (non-accredited).

FAQs — Engine Oil Testing

How much sample is needed for routine oil analysis?

Typically 100–250 mL is sufficient for accredited basic panels. For additional specialist testing (if requested) larger volumes may be required — these are quoted separately.

Can you detect coolant ingress?

Some accredited screening checks (color, refractive index) may indicate contamination; specific coolant detection methods (e.g., FTIR or specialist assays) are treated as non-accredited unless listed on the lab's ISO/IEC 17025 schedule and will be quoted separately.

Do you provide trend reports?

Yes — accredited-panel trend charts and fleet dashboards are available when multiple accredited-panel samples are submitted over time.

Deliverables & Value-Added Services

COA with accredited method references, results, LOQs (where applicable) and measurement uncertainty.
Interpretive comments, trend charts and recommended actions based on accredited test results.
On-site sampling support and tamper-evident sampling kits for forensic and warranty investigations.

Summary

AGT Labs’ Engine Oil Testing provides accredited, traceable analyses using ISO/IEC 17025–listed ASTM and IP methods for condition monitoring and failure analysis. Specialist or non-accredited investigations are available but will be quoted and reported separately.

Engine Oil Testing