ASTM D7589-09 - 1.12.2009
 
Significance and Use

Test MethodThe data obtained from the use of this test method provide a comparative index of the fuel-saving capabilities of automotive engine oils under repeatable laboratory conditions. A BL has been established for this test to provide a standard against which all other oils can be compared. The BL oil is an SAE 20W-30 grade fully formulated lubricant. The test procedure was not designed to give a precise estimate of the difference between two test oils without adequate replication. The test method was developed to compare the test oil to the BL oil. Companion test methods used to evaluate engine oil performance for specification requirements are discussed in the latest revision of Specification D4485.

UseThe Sequence VID test method is useful for engine oil fuel economy specification acceptance. It is used in specifications and classifications of engine lubricating oils, such as the following:

Specification D4485.

API 1509.

SAE Classification J304.

SAE Classification J1423.

 
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 trucks with gross vehicle weight 3856 kg or less. The tests are conducted using a specified spark-ignition engine with a displacement of 3.6 L (General Motors) on a dynamometer test stand. It applies to multi viscosity grade oils used in these applications.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.2.1 ExceptionsWhere there is no direct equivalent such as the units for screw threads, National Pipe threads/diameters, tubing size, and single source supply equipment specifications. Additionally, Brake Fuel Consumption (BSFC) is measured in kilograms per kilowatthour.

1.3 This 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

D323-26

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

IEEE/ASTM SI-10

Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System

D445-24

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).

D6837-13

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Effects of Automotive Engine Oils on Fuel Economy of Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks in Sequence VIB Spark Ignition Engine (Withdrawn 2022)

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

D4175-24e1

Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants (Includes all amendments and changes 11/19/2024).

D4485-24

Standard Specification for Performance of Active API Service Category Engine Oils

D5185-26

Standard Test Method for Multielement Determination of Used and Unused Lubricating Oils and Base Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)

D5453-25

Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

D3338-08

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

D4052-22

Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter

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)

D1319-25

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

D2699-25

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

D240-25

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

D235-22

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

D86-23ae2

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

D381-25

Standard Test Method for Gum Content in Fuels by Jet Evaporation