I keep reading about this on PC. Seems that every time I read it, it was posted by someone outside the United States. I could be wrong. This sounds like something I would like to have done on my '08 when it's time for an oil change. Is this available in the US? In Texas? In San Antonio? If so, where can I get it done?
A lot of people use Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You can get a free oil collection kit when you buy the analysis in advance for $22.50. Do a search for UOA here for more info and discussion.
The kit is free even if you don't pay in advance, just request one via the web site. I sample my oil at every change so last time they sent me a half dozen jars. Given the results, they shouldn't need to send more for quite a while! To me it's worth it to have the oil tested. It's nice to run a long drain interval (on quality oil) and remain assured that the car is getting what it needs.
I have no problem with Blackstone for engine oil analysis. However, for transaxle oil analysis, I prefer PdMA because for $20 I can get both a 40C and 100C viscosity test with viscosity index, a ratio that determines the oil wear. This is a critical metric for transaxle oil since we are interested in the cold 40C and warm 100C lubrication properties. Engines warm up about 6-7 times faster than transaxles. With PdMA I keep a few dry, water bottles, the small ones, to hold the samples. If you decide to do additional tests, you can order them from PdMA within 30 days. But for engine oil, Blackstone is perfectly fine. Bob Wilson
