Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions about EngineCheckUp:

General questions:

1. What is EngineCheckUp?
2. Can EngineCheckUp test other fluids besides my oil?
3. How many EngineCheckUp tests come in a package?
4. Where can I buy EngineCheckUp?
5. How do I know EngineCheckUp really works?
6. Can I use EngineCheckUp to check my lawnmower?
7. What does EngineCheckUp test in my oil?

1. Do you have instructions on how to perform a EngineCheckUp test?
2. Should I perform an EngineCheckUp test immediately after an oil change?
3. Should I perform an EngineCheckUp test when it's raining or snowing outside?
4. How often should I perform an EngineCheckUp test?
5. How long does it take to get an accurate result from an EngineCheckUp test?
6. Can my oil dipstick touch the EngineCheckUp test medium?
7. Can I do an EngineCheckUp test with a cold engine?
8. How much oil do I need to put on the EngineCheckUp test?

1. The Center Spot of my EngineCheckUp test is black, what does it mean?
2. The entire EngineCheckUp test is a big black circle, what does this mean?
3. My EngineCheckUp test indicates a high level of water, what should I do?
4. High level of fuel is identified by an EngineCheckUp test, what do I do?
5. Sediment is revealed by an EngineCheckUp test. What does this mean?
6. What aspect of the EngineCheckUp test identifies the condition of engine oil?
7. What aspect of the EngineCheckUp test identifies antifreeze (glycol)?

Answers to General Questions:

1. EngineCheckUp is a fast and efficient way to test the condition of an engine with a single drop of engine oil.  Sediment, grime, oil condition, water, fuel or glycol, and the degree of each, can be easily viewed.

2. EngineCheckUp is designed to check engine oil only. EngineCheckUp Multi-Fluid Analysis test will reveal the condition of transmission, power steering, differential and brake fluids.

3. There are 6 complete EngineCheckUp tests in the standard package.

4. EngineCheckUp can be purchased by clicking HERE.

5. EngineCheckUp has been tested, approved and endorsed by TUV, the internationally recognized German testing laboratory.  All brochure and sales pictures, and claims made, have been reviewed by TUV.  Additional testing in the United States is scheduled for 2008 at a large university.  The announcement of the results of such tests will be made in the 3rd quarter of 2008.

6. EngineCheckUp can be used on any 4 stroke engine.  Small engines are generally 2 stroke and therefore EngineCheckUp is not recommended.

7. EngineCheckUp identifies grime and sediment in engine oil, the general condition of the oil, and the presence of water, anti-freeze and fuel – and the degree of each.

Answers on how to use EngineCheckUp:

1.The EngineCheckUp instruction guide as well as the brochure “How to Interpret Your Test Results” can be viewed by clicking on this link.

2. It is recommended that an EngineCheckUp test be performed after 750 km (500 miles) after an oil change to allow any engine problem to be identified.

3. Outside conditions will not directly affect EngineCheckUp.  It is recommended that the test be performed in a closed environment to prevent moisture (rain or snow) from direct contact on the test medium.

4. EngineCheckUp should be performed every 5,000 km or 3,000 miles, unless a problem has been identified.  If the problem has been identified and service work has not been completed, more frequent testing will allow you to “trend” the problem and determine the optimum time for service.  When service work is completed, another EngineCheckUp test should be performed after 150 km or 100 miles to ensure the work completed addressed the problem revealed.

5. Normally the results of an EngineCheckUp test will be observed in 5-15 minutes.  If the oil is in poor condition, the test will take longer.  If there is an excessive amount of fuel or water in the oil, the overall test will be distorted and take hours to cure.

6. EngineCheckUp will not be affected by direct contact with the dipstick.   It is important that only one drop from the dipstick be applied.

7. EngineCheckUp works best with oil that is warm, not hot.

8. EngineCheckUp works best with only one drop on the test medium.

Answers about EngineCheckUp test results:

1. A dark Center Spot on an EngineCheckUp test medium indicates a high level of sediment and / or grime.  The first recommendation would be to change the oil and filter of the engine tested.  Retesting after 150 km or 199 miles will indicate if the problem was addressed.

2. If the EngineCheckUp test is completely black, the oil has degraded significantly and has lost all lubrication, cooling and cleaning properties.  Immediately change oil and retest after 150 km or 100 miles.

3. Large peaks around the Second Circle of the EngineCheckUp test medium indicate water or antifreeze in your engine.  If the surrounding corona is yellow, this denotes anti freeze.  A clear corona indicates cooling or condensation water.  Oil and filter change and recheck at 150 km or 100 miles.

4. The Outer Circle of the EngineCheckUp test indicates a presence of fuel.  While it is normal to have trace amounts of fuel in engine oil, moderate or excessive amounts degrade the oil quickly and have potentially disastrous effects on the engine.  Recommend oil and filter change and retest at 150 km or 100 miles.

5. The Center Spot of the EngineCheckUp test medium indicates the degree of sediment and dirt. Sediment can be caused by poor combustion, clogged air and or oil filter, degraded oil, gasket and seal remnants, worn valves or poor seals.  Recommend oil and filter change and retest after 150 km or 100 miles.

6. The Second Circle of the EngineCheckUp test medium indicates the general condition of the engine oil.  The darker the circle, the more degraded the engine oil is.  Refer to “How to Interpret Your Test Results” for a further explanation and an interpretation guide.

7. The EngineCheckUp test medium will reveal antifreeze (glycol) if the edges of the Second Circle are jagged, and the surrounding corona has a yellow tint.  The more jagged the edge, the higher the content of antifreeze in the oil.