TRANSPORTATION

Routine fluid analysis can give a commercial fleet the competitive edge today’s transportation industry demands. Don’t find yourself on the road to failure when early detection costs so little and protects so much. With POLARIS Laboratories^®, it’s easy. In most cases, the report is available by the end of the following business day. Our highly qualified data analysts and our national team of technical sales professionals are only a phone call away with the support you need to make your information work for you. At POLARIS Laboratories^®, it’s our job to keep you on the road to success.

Below are the recommended tests for equipment and components in the Transportation industry. Other test-packages or variations of these are available; but these recommended options are designed as best-fit for improved equipment and lubrication reliability.

To request a quote or if you’re looking for custom options, contact us.

Diesel Engine

Monitor wear, contamination and fuel dilution in engine oil to maintain performance, improve fuel efficiency and prevent unexpected downtime on the road.

Base Number (BN)
mod. ASTM D4739
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Fuel Dilution %
ASTM D7593
Oxidation & Nitration
ASTM E2412
Soot %
ASTM E2412
Viscosity at 100°C
ASTM D2270
Water by Crackle
Internal Method

Differential Oils

Detect wear metals, lubrication breakdown and contamination to protect gears, reduce friction and ensure reliable power transfer under varying loads.

Acid Number (AN)
mod. ASTM D664
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Ferrous Debris (FerroQ)
ASTM D8120
Oxidation & Nitration
ASTM E2412
Viscosity at 100^oC
mod. ASTM D445
Water by Crackle
Internal Method

Mechanic hand was opening the radiator cap to check the coolant level

Cooling Systems

Checks corrosion protection, contamination and inhibitor health to prevent overheating and system damage.

Boil Point
Carboxylic Acid Pass/Fail
(Shell, Chevron or Cat ELC only)
Contaminants (Chloride and Sulfate)
Corrosion, Contaminant and Inhibitor metals (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Silver, Calcium, Magnesium, Silicon, Phosphate, Boron, Molybdenum, Sodium, Potassium)
Degradation Acids (Glycolate, Formate, Acetate and Oxalate)
ELC Basic Coolant analysis additive (Benzoate, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid, Sebacic acid, Octanoic acid, p-Toluic, MBT, TT Z, BZT)
Freeze Point
Glycol
Inhibitors (Nitrite and Nitrate)
Nitrite
pH
SCA#
Specific Conductance
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Hardness
Visual (color, oil and/or fuel contamination, foam magnetic/non-magnetic precipitation and odor)

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOLANT TESTING ➔

Diesel Fuel

Detect contamination, water and fuel degradation that can reduce combustion efficiency, damage injection systems and lead to poor engine performance.

API Gravity
ASTM D7777
Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
Manufacturer
Cetane Index
ASTM D976
Cloud Point
ASTM D7689
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Flash Point
ASTM D3828
Micro-Distillation
Predicted D86 results by ASTM D7689
Pour Point
ASTM D7346
Sulfur
ASTM D7220
Thermal Stability
mod. ASTM D6468
Viscosity
ASTM D445
Water & Sediment
ASTM D2709

Industry Sample Trends and Intervals

Component Type	Recommended Sampling Interval
Diesel Engine	15,000 miles
Gasoline Engine	7,500 miles
Transmission	30,000 miles
Differential	30,000 miles
Coolant	Twice per year, beginning Summer, beginning Winter

All critical equipment should be sampled at least once every 30 days to ensure proper functionality, maintain compliance with operational standards, and identify potential issues before they affect performance.
Equipment requiring compliance with ISO 4406 recommendations should be sampled at least once every 30 days to properly monitor fluid cleanliness levels and maintain adherence to the standard.
OEM recommendations should be followed to maintain warranty coverage and ensure equipment operates within the manufacturer’s specified performance standards.
Company policies and applicable EPA requirements should be reviewed when complying with the EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Subpart ZZZZ (Quad Z) to ensure all operational, reporting, and maintenance obligations are met.