Standard Motor Oil Testing Methods

ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil (ATROMAN) and 9 competing conventional and 10W40 motor oils were subjected to a series of ASTM motor oil tests by Union Chemicals Factory Laboratory, U.A.E. The competing oils included those available and most known in the Middle East region.
Seven tests were run on the motor oils: The Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test (TFOUT) to measure the oxidation stability of engine oils, the High Temperature/High Shear Test (HTHS) to measure the lubricant's viscosity under severe operating conditions, the NOACK Volatility Test to measure the evaporation loss of oils in high temperature service, Pour Point Test to indicate the lowest temperature at which the oil flows, Total Base Number (TBN) to measure the lubricant's reserve alkalinity for combating acids, the Cold Cranking Simulator Test (CCS) to measure lubricant's viscosity at low temperatures and high shear rates and the Four-Ball Wear Test to measure lubricant's wear protection properties. The impressive test results show ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil outperformed the competitors almost in each test.
To protect competitors’ rights, theirs brands are stated by numbers 1 to 10 in the report.

Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test

The Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test evaluates the oxidation stability of lubricating oils. A mixture of the test oil and chemistries found in gasoline engine operation (oxidized/nitrated fuel, soluble metals and distilled water) are placed in a test vessel, which is pressurized with oxygen and placed in a heated bath. Anti-oxidant breakdown is evident when the oxygen pressure in the vessel rapidly decreases. At this point, the induction time (break point) of the oil is recorded. As shown in the graph, ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil had the highest induction time of all the tested oils. In fact, it didn't reach its break point in over 500 minutes of testing.

The superior oxidation stability of ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil allows it to effectively resist the formation of engine deposits and sludge, keeping engines running clean and efficient and extending oil life. It also resists thickening, maintaining its superior wear protection and lubricating properties and maximizing fuel efficiency.

High Temperature/High Shear Test

The High Temperature/High Shear Test measures a lubricant's viscosity under severe high temperature and shear conditions that resemble highly-loaded journal bearings in fired internal combustion engines. In order to prevent bearing wear, it is important for a lubricant to maintain its protective viscosity under severe operating conditions. The minimum High Temperature/High Shear viscosity for a 10W40 weight oil is 2.9 cP. As shown in the graph, ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil surpasses this minimum standard and displayed the highest High Temperature /High Shear viscosity in the group.

The superior viscosity retention of ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil in the face of severe temperature and shear conditions allows it to provide continuous, unsurpassed protection for engine bearings, extending equipment life and preventing wear.

NOACK Volatility Test

The NOACK Volatility Test determines the evaporation loss of lubricants in high temperature service. The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they become, contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and increased oil consumption, wear and emissions. A maximum of 15 percent evaporation loss is allowable to meet API SL specifications. As shown in the graph, ATROD10W40 Motor Oil outperformed this standard by over 45 percent.

The extremely low volatility of ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil allows it to maintain its superior protective and performance qualities throughout extended drain intervals, even when faced with severe operating temperatures. In addition, oil consumption and emissions are minimized and fuel efficiency is maximized.

Pour Point Test

The Pour Point Test determines the lowest temperature at which a lubricant will flow when cooled under prescribed conditions. The lower a lubricant's pour point, the better protection it provides in low temperature service. As shown in the graph, ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil has one of the lowest pour points of the tested oils.

The low pour point of ATROD10W40 Motor Oil allows it to maintain its fluidity in extremely low temperatures, reducing drag on moving vehicle parts, providing critical engine components with quick, essential lubrication and easing startup in cold temperatures. Wear is greatly reduced and equipment life is extended.

Total Base Number Test

Total Base Number (TBN) is the measurement of a lubricant's reserve alkalinity, which aids in the control of acids formed during the combustion process. The higher a motor oil's TBN, the more effective it is in suspending wear-causing contaminants and reducing the corrosive effects of acids over an extended period of time. As shown in the graph, ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil has one of  the highest TBNs of the tested oils.

The high TBN of ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil allows it to effectively combat wear-causing contaminants and acids, providing superior protection and performance over extended drain intervals.

Cold Crank Simulator Test

The Cold Crank Simulator Test determines the apparent viscosity of lubricants at low temperatures and high shear rates. Viscosity of lubricants under these conditions is directly related to engine cranking and startability. The lower a lubricant's cold crank viscosity, the easier an engine will turn over in cold temperatures. 10W motor oils are tested at -25°C and must have a viscosity below 7000 cP to pass. As shown in the graph, ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil is well below the maximum requirement, while many of the competing oils barely pass.

The low cold crank viscosity of ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil reduces drag on moving engine parts and allows engines to achieve critical cranking speed in extremely frigid temperatures. Engines turn over quickly and dependably in the coldest winter temperatures.

Four Ball Wear Test

The Four Ball Wear Test determines the wear protection properties of a lubricant. Three metal balls are clamped together and covered with the test lubricant, while a rotating fourth ball is pressed against them in sliding contact. This contact typically produces a wear scar, which is measured and recorded. The smaller the average wear scar, the better the wear protection provided by the lubricant. As shown in the graph, ATROD  10W40 Motor Oil produced nearly the smallest wear scar between the tested lubricants.

ATROD 10W40 Motor Oil provides unsurpassed protection against engine wear. Equipment life is extended, repairs downtime and expenses are reduced.