Is an oil analysis worth it?

Is Oil Analysis Really Worth It? If you’re a racer, engine builder, tuner, or just operate equipment with plenty of miles, the occasional oil sample analysis can do wonders. There’s no downside to testing and it’s an easy, affordable way to gauge the condition of your engine.

What does an engine oil analysis tell you?

By analyzing a sample of used engine oil, you can determine the amount of contamination, the wear rates and overall condition of your engine. The real benefit of an oil analysis is that it acts as an early warning system, alerting you to potential problems before they become an equipment failure.

How much does it cost to have your engine oil analyzed?

The standard analysis costs $30.00 and includes the following: Spectral Exam: Establishes the levels of wear metals, silicon, and additives present in the oil.

What are the advantages of oil analysis?

Enhance equipment life and reliability by ensuring proper lubrication and detecting issues such as excessive wear and contamination. Extend lubricant life by monitoring its condition and, when deemed necessary, treating or cleaning it, typically allowing for longer intervals between fluid changes.

Who does engine oil analysis?

You have two options for analyzing your motor oil with a kit. You can buy one that lets you interpret the results for yourself, or you can purchase the services of a professional laboratory, such as Blackstone Labs or Oil Analyzers, Inc., just two of the leading firms out of many that offer oil analysis.

What motor oil is best?

What is the best motor oil?

• Top Pick: Valvoline SynPower 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
• Runner Up Pick: Mobil 1 120760 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40.
• Best Budget Pick: AmazonBasics Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
• Best Synthetic Blend Oil: Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend Diesel Motor Oil 15W-40.

How much oil is needed for an oil analysis?

Most labs need at least three ounces of oil to conduct a complete analysis. You can retrieve the sample during your next DIY oil change, or siphon it from your dipstick tube using a simple kit. Once you have the sample, you can hire a lab to test and analyze the oil, or use a DIY testing kit.

Why is lubricating oil testing important?

Comprehensive analysis of the oil in your equipment provides a detailed breakdown of your lubrication system’s performance. This overview can pinpoint problem areas based on contaminant type and indicate what problems may arise from the contamination. Some contaminants can cause major problems when not detected early.

What is the study of oil called?

Oil analysis (OA) is the laboratory analysis of a lubricant’s properties, suspended contaminants, and wear debris. The study of wear in machinery is called tribology. Tribologists often perform or interpret oil analysis data.

How long does oil analysis take?

Once received, it takes the lab between 48-72 hours to turn the sample around, which means that on average, almost 17 days have gone by before results are available to the customer.