ASTM D6837-05a - 1.11.2005
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers an engine test procedure for the measurement of the effects of automotive engine oils on the fuel economy of passenger cars and light-duty 3856 kg (8500 lb) or less gross vehicle weight trucks. The tests are conducted using a specified 4.6-L spark-ignition engine on a dynamometer test stand. It applies to multiviscosity grade oils used in these applications.

1.2 This test method also provides for the running of an abbreviated length test that is referred to as the VIBSJ. The procedure for VIBSJ is identical to the Sequence VIB with the exception of the items specifically listed in Annex A13. The procedure modifications listed in Annex A13 refer to the corresponding section of the Sequence VIB test method.

1.3 The unit values stated in this test method shall be regarded as the standard. Values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only. SI units are considered the primary units for this test method. The only exception is where there is no direct SI equivalent such as screw threads, national pipe threads/diameters, tubing size, and so forth.

1.4This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D6557-26

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Rust Preventive Characteristics of Automotive Engine Oils

D6750-23

Standard Test Methods for Evaluation of Engine Oils in a High-Speed, Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine—1K Procedure (0.4 % Fuel Sulfur) and 1N Procedure (0.04 % Fuel Sulfur)

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E191-64(1999)e1

Standard Specification for Apparatus For Microdetermination of Carbon and Hydrogen in Organic and Organo-Metallic Compounds

J304

Engine Oil Tests

J1423

Classification of Energy-Conserving Engine Oil for Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks

API?1509

Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System

ANSI?MC96.1-1975

Temperature Measurement - Thermocouples

D4294-24

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D4485-24

Standard Specification for Performance of Active API Service Category Engine Oils

D86-23ae2

Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure (Includes all amendments and changes 11/4/2024).

D235-22

Standard Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)

D240-25

Standard Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter

D287-22

Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer/Method)

D323-26

Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

D381-25

Standard Test Method for Gum Content in Fuels by Jet Evaporation

D445-26

Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)

D525-12a(2025)

Standard Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Gasoline (Induction Period Method) (Includes all amendments and changes 12/24/2025).

D1319-25

Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption

D2699-26

Standard Test Method for Research Octane Number of Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

D3231-25

Standard Test Method for Phosphorus in Gasoline

D3237-22

Standard Test Method for Lead in Gasoline by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

D3338-08

Standard Test Method for Estimation of Net Heat of Combustion of Aviation Fuels

D4175-24e2

Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants (Includes all amendments and changes 6/9/2026).