Antifreeze Testing Program

Antifreeze samples are analyzed for most or all of the following parameters to meet specifications established in ASTM D3306. ASTM methods may be obtained by phone, fax or email from either the Sparks office or by directly contacting ASTM International, or the volume may be purchased from:

ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428

List of Registered Antifreeze Brands

Click Here for a List of Registered Antifreeze Brands

Relative Density by ASTM D1122

The relative density of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate percent glycol and the freezing and boiling points, given that the glycol type is known. In addition, determination of the relative density of an engine coolant concentrate can be used as a production control test.

pH by ASTM D1287

pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration and indicates whether an engine coolant (or an aqueous solution of coolant) is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.

pH is sometimes used as a production control test. It is generally desirable that engine coolants have an alkaline pH. pH is not significant from the standpoint of predicting service life.

Boiling Point by ASTM D1120

The boiling point determination of an engine coolant is primarily used as a production control test.

Freezing Point by ASTM D1177

The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the coolant freeze protection. In addition, the freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate glycol content, provided that the glycol type is known.

Mass % Water by ASTM D1123 

The total apparent water in engine coolant concentrate as determined by Karl Fischer titrations consists of the following: water present in the original glycol base; water added (for example, in inhibitor solutions); waters of hydration of inhibitors; water formed in the chemical reaction between borate and ethylene glycol; and quantitative interference by the reaction of the reagent with inhibitors.

Foaming by ASTM D1881

The test method for foaming generally will distinguish coolants that have a tendency to foam excessively from those that are suitable for further evaluation to determine performance in actual service.

Corrosion by ASTM B1384/B2570

Corrosion tests may be run on engine coolants to determine the coolant’s compatibility with a variety of materials, metals, and alloys.