How does one "test" his oil . . .

[supmet]

Interesting discrepancies between oil testing companies:

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/labtest.html

so when you get your UOA know the actual results are + or - 100%

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by supmet

Interesting discrepancies between oil testing companies:

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/labtest.html

so when you get your UOA know the actual results are + or - 100%

3 out of those 4 labs are quite close-remember the spectro is in parts per MILLION. Knowing and trusting the lab you use is part of the deal, just like everything else.

Testing the oil does cost a bit of money but gives you info you can't get any other way. It is true the testing can cost as much (or more depending on what your using) than doing an oil change. However, you can change your oil as often as you want if you've got an internal coolant leak or the engine is ingesting dirt somewhere, for instance, it WILL wear prematurely. So, if you can extend oil change intervals and/or monitor for problems it can be worth it. It at least is a good idea periodically to monitor for problems. You do have to know something about reading them as in most cases the labs observations/recommendations are pretty inadequate.

Having said that it's pretty much my hobby and is a better investment than a lot of hobbies I can think of.

R2