Which oil analysis kit covers wear, contamination and oil condition?
The ProTecta Oil Analysis Kit, tested by WearCheck, an independent laboratory. One sample is analyzed for wear metals such as iron and copper, for contamination such as fuel, water, coolant and dirt (silicon), and for the condition of the oil itself: viscosity, oxidation and remaining base number. The kit is $49.95.
How do I take the oil sample?
At your next oil change. With the engine warm, catch a sample from the drain stream in the bottle provided, fill in the short lab form, and mail the bottle to WearCheck in the mailer that comes in the kit. It takes a few minutes and no special tools.
What do I get back?
A WearCheck laboratory report on your engine. It shows every wear metal, contaminant and oil-condition value measured in your sample. Then call ProTecta at 800-735-6438, 8:00 to 5:00 Mountain time, Monday to Friday, and we go through it with you line by line.
Will the report tell me what to do?
The report gives you the numbers. What they mean for your engine depends on the engine: a normal reading for a 40,000-mile turbo four is not a normal reading for a 200,000-mile diesel. That is what the call is for. We have been reading these reports since 1985, and we will tell you when it is nothing.
Does it work on any engine?
Yes. Gasoline or diesel, car, pickup, motorcycle, tractor or generator. Any engine with an oil sump you can drain.
My engine seems fine. Why test it?
Because a report taken while the engine is healthy is your baseline. Every later sample is compared to it, so you see wear starting to climb long before you can hear or feel it.
