Test Acceptance and Approval

How new tests make the grade for GF-5.

Creating a new motor oil specification usually requires some new tests to determine if oils meet the necessary performance requirements. Once test sponsors submit recommended testing protocols, the test is submitted for formal approval by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). This independent organization evaluates the recommended procedure, measures test precision, qualifies demonstration oils, and helps set performance limits.

Once approved, the test procedure is documented as an ASTM standard. The standard includes a detailed description on how to run a valid test, what the test is intended to measure, a summary of relevant sub-tests, detailed hardware requirements, reference fluids, length of test, test calibration, and test precision. 

These ASTM standard tests become the foundation of the lubricant evaluation process and are used to determine if a motor oil has the physical and performance characteristics needed to meet a performance specification such as GF-5.