Fuel & Fluid Systems
Fluids Testing
Fluid compatibility testing of hoses, lines, and components against automotive fluids through soak, spray, and exposure methods.
01 · UNDERSTAND THE SERVICE
Overview
Sterling Performance provides fluids testing to assess compatibility between automotive fluids and components. Parts such as filters, hoses, and plastic components can be soaked, sprayed, or exposed to various fluids to determine compatibility or reactions such as deforming, cracking, or swelling.
Testing covers pumps, lines, hoses, serpentine belts, reservoirs, connectors, clamps, fasteners, filters, plastic components, and HEV/EV battery coolant systems. Sterling is an EPA-recognized laboratory and regularly attends EPA board meetings, and customers have full access to the engineers reviewing every step of the process.
02 · CONFIRM THE FIT
Fluids Testing Capabilities
- Hydraulic fluids
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Coolants — engine coolant
- Glycols
- Cleaning fluids, engine cleaning fluids
- Solvents
- Refrigerants
- Fuels (gasoline, diesel, corrosive, alternative, etc.)
03 · METHODS & CONDITIONS
Testing Methods & Conditions
- 01Soak, spray, or exposure compatibility methods
- 02Evaluation of deforming, cracking, and swelling reactions
- 03Testing against EPA and CARB protocols
- 04Coverage for HEV/EV battery coolant systems
04 · REAL-WORLD FIT
Typical Applications & Assemblies
- Fluid hoses and fuel lines
- Seals, connectors, and components exposed to automotive fluids
Reporting & Compliance Data
Sterling delivers professional, concise, and accurate test reports backed by state-of-the-art data acquisition. Our reports are detailed enough to be submitted as engineering and government compliance backup data — so you get results you can act on and document.
ANSWERS FOR ENGINEERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fluids can Sterling test compatibility against?
Brake, transmission, power steering, hydraulic, and coolant fluids, glycols, solvents, cleaning fluids, refrigerants, and fuels (gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels).
What reactions do you evaluate?
We determine compatibility and reactions such as deforming, cracking, and swelling on hoses, seals, plastics, and components.
Fluids Testing inquiry
Ready to define the scope?
Share the part or system, requirement, operating conditions, and desired outcome. Sterling's team will use that context to begin reviewing the appropriate testing approach.