Introduction

Oil breakdown causes sludge which increases wear, acids and corrosion, shortening equipment life. All modern oils contain additives that inhibit breakdown. As these additives are depleted, sludge is formed. One Drop Testing measures the amount of sludge in the oil.

One Drop Testing provides quick and accurate visual confirmation that its time to change a lubricant. Proper fluid maintenance will help ensure performance, extend equipment service life, and reduce overall maintenance costs.

When One Drop Testing results are saved and compared at regular intervals, oil change cycles can be determined for make and age of the vehicle, brand of oil, and driving habits, all of which affect oil degradation.  Additionally, poor One Drop Testing ratings at low mileage can be an indicator of serious problems that may need immediate attention.


General Procedures

Sampling Method: Withdraw the engine or transmission dipstick and allow a few generous drops to form on the end. Deposit the fluid drops on the One Drop Test Sheet by lightly touching the end of the dipstick on the medium sheet, in one of the circles.

Leave the One Drop Test blotter in a horizontal position for a few minutes and then compare it to the reference chart.  Simply evaluate a fluids condition by matching each sample to the certified photographic representation of the in lab tests results.

We have found that backlighting samples enhances the One Drop Test results. You can simply hold a One Drop Test sheet up to a light, or the sky to make reading easier.

Repeated testing over time will increase the confidence level of your interpretation of the One Drop Test, it is very simple to get results that are accurate and reliable.

Note:  Test chart pictures on our web site are displayed at resolutions of less than 100 pixels.  The color and clarity on actual FluidRX color charts are at much higher resolutions and are easy to read.


Gasoline Engine Oil Test
(Note:  Professional Diesel Test is available as of May 1, 2005)

NEW (In comparison) A sample is light in color and is absorbed by the test medium very quickly.

GOOD - The oil has become slightly darker than the new oil. It is still well within the normal range for typical engine oil. No action is required other than testing again in about 1,000 miles.

CHANGE - This oil has become darker from the normal degradation of oil used in a gasoline engine. The dark brown, irregular ring that is being formed is a sure sign of degrading engine oil. The oil will still provide some protection, but an oil change should be scheduled as the degradation process will become much faster. Planning on when to change the oil should be based on how long (miles) it took to get to this point in the degradation cycle.

BAD - The darkness of this oil including the irregular oxidation ring, compared to earlier One Drop Test samples, is dramatic. Making sure that your oil never gets to this stage will save many dollars in needless repairs. This oil has gone beyond its useful life and needs to be changed immediately.


Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Test

NEW (In comparison) A sample is light in color and is absorbed by the test medium very quickly.

GOOD - The fluid has become slightly darker than the new oil. It is still well within the normal range for typical transmission fluid. No action is required other than testing again in about 10,000 miles.

CHANGE - This oil has become darker from the normal degradation of fluid in a transmission. Note the darker brown color as compared to the red new ATF. This is a sure sign of degrading fluid. The fluid will still provide protection but a fluid change should be scheduled as the degradation process will become much faster. Planning on when to change the fluid should be based on how long (miles) it took to get to this point in the degradation cycle.

BAD - The darkness of this oil including the dark outer oxidation ring compared to earlier One Drop Test samples is dramatic. Making sure that your fluid never gets to this stage will save many dollars in needless repairs. This fluid has gone beyond its useful life and needs to be changed immediately.
 

Power Steering Fluid Test




Brake Fluid Test




Differential (F&R), Manual Transmission & Transfer Case Test




NEW - (In comparison) A sample is light in color and is absorbed by the test medium very quickly.

GOOD - The oil has become slightly darker than the new oil. It is still well within the normal range for typical gear oil. No action is required other than testing again in about 10,000 miles.

CHANGE - This oil has become darker from the normal degradation and wear debris. The gray to black color is iron wearing off of the parts. The oil will still provide protection but an oil change should be scheduled as the degradation and wear process will become much faster. Planning on when to change the oil should be based on how long (miles) it took to get to this point in the degradation cycle.

BAD (Must Change) - The darkness of this oil and the black/gray color indicate there is severe wear tacking place. Making sure that your oil never gets to this stage will save many dollars in needless repairs. This fluid has gone beyond its useful life and needs to be changed immediately.
 

NOTE: One Drop Test is designed as an aid in determining the condition of the oils or fluids. There is no guarantee expressed or implied against component failure, since the damage may have already started before the first test. The equipment manufacturers recommended practices should always be followed.  Please read instructions and safety info below prior to using product. Be sure to dispose of your used oil and fluids in accordance with local regulations so as not to pollute.
 

SAFETY WARNING All oil is to be considered hazardous. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mouth. Consider all machinery dangerous. Never take a One Drop Test sample while the equipment is running.