Automotive Weathering Testing

Protect your automotive components from environmental damage with Element's comprehensive Automotive Weathering Testing services. We accelerate real-world conditions to predict performance, helping you develop longer-lasting products that maintain performance and appearance throughout their lifecycle. Access end-to-end support from our global testing network, technical expert guides, and customized test programs. Together, we’ll prevent costly warranty claims and protect your brand reputation.

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What is Automotive Weathering Testing at Element?

Automotive Weathering Testing evaluates how materials and components respond to environmental conditions like sunlight, heat, and moisture over time. At Element, we simulate these conditions in accelerated test environments to predict how your products will perform throughout their service life. Our testing identifies potential issues before they become costly field failures, helping you build more durable automotive products.

Standards we test to

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ASTM G155; ASTM G154; ASTM D4329; ASTM D4587; ASTM D2565; ASTM D7869SAE J2412; SAE J1885; SAE J2527; SAE J1960; SAE J2020; SAE J1976ISO 4892-2; ISO 4892-3; ISO 105-B06; ISO 16474-2BS EN 10402JIS D 0205Ford FLTM BO 116-01; FLTM BO 101-01Honda HES D6601Peugeot/Renault PSA D47 1431VW PV1303; PV3929; PV3930GMW 3414 (Cycle A and B); GMW14162; GMW14650; GMW14170; GMW60292MS-210-05; MS-300-31; VDA 75202; PF-11365; DBL 5555; DBL7399; DIN 75202; D27 1389; D27 1991/--D (2007); STD 423-0047; STD 1026, 82439; STD 1027, 359; STD 1027, 337; JASO M346; JASO M351

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What Can Element Offer You For Automotive Weathering Testing?

Key tests offered

Element's weathering tests evaluate critical performance characteristics such as color change, gloss retention, adhesion strength, and corrosion resistance. Our comprehensive capabilities include:

Color change and appearance evaluation

Surface degradation and corrosion resistance assessment
Material strength and flexibility testing
Adhesion and coating integrity evaluation
Water and moisture resistance evaluation
UV radiationMethods and solutions offered

Element offers customized weathering test programs designed to accurately estimate the service life of your materials. Whether you need testing to generate specific failure modes, compare alternative materials, or meet quality requirements, our teams develop solutions tailored to your exact specifications and application environments.

Accelerated weathering simulation
Cyclic environmental exposure testing
Comparative material evaluation
Long-term durability assessment
Customized test protocol development

Expert consultation for material selection
Our materials specialists provide expert guidance through every testing stage. From test selection and setup to data interpretation and failure analysis, our team helps you understand how environmental factors impact your specific materials, allowing you to make informed decisions about material selection and design improvements.

Materials we test

We test a comprehensive range of materials as specified in automotive industry standards. Our specialized facilities accommodate automotive materials of various types and formats, providing reliable data on performance under environmental stress. These include:

Plastics and polymers used in interior and exterior applications
Paints and coatings for body panels and trim components
Textiles used in seating, headliners, and interior trim
Rubbers and elastomers for seals, gaskets, and weather-stripping
Glass for windows, mirrors, and display panels

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Our laboratories feature advanced accelerated weathering test facilities with customized cabinets that precisely simulate diverse field service conditions. We employ specialized equipment that accurately replicate real-world environmental exposures in accelerated timeframes.

Xenon arc weathering chambers
UV fluorescent weathering devices
Carbon arc testing equipment
Customized testing cabinets for specific field conditions
Environmental cycling chambers

Which labs offer this service

Our team operates from automotive industry hubs, providing convenient access to our expert capabilities. Find out where your nearest lab is on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

American Society for Testing & Materials

ASTM G155; ASTM G154; ASTM D4329; ASTM D4587; ASTM D2565; ASTM D7869

Society of Automotive Engineers

SAE J2412; SAE J1885; SAE J2527; SAE J1960; SAE J2020; SAE J1976

International Organization for Standardization

ISO 4892-2; ISO 4892-3; ISO 105-B06; ISO 16474-2

British European Standards

BS EN 10402

Japanese Industrial Standards

JIS D 0205

OEM Specifications

Ford FLTM BO 116-01; FLTM BO 101-01
Honda HES D6601
Peugeot/Renault PSA D47 1431
VW PV1303; PV3929; PV3930
Nissan NES M0135
GMW 3414 (Cycle A and B); GMW14162; GMW14650; GMW14170; GMW60292
MS-210-05; MS-300-31; VDA 75202; PF-11365; DBL 5555; DBL7399; DIN 75202; D27 1389; D27 1991/--D (2007); STD 423-0047; STD 1026, 82439; STD 1027, 359; STD 1027, 337; JASO M346; JASO M351

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Degradation prevention

With accurate data showing how environmental factors affect your materials, you can select components resistant to discoloration, cracking, and corrosion. This proactive approach prevents premature failures and extends product lifetimes, reducing warranty claims and enhancing your reputation for quality and reliability.

Complex industry standards

Navigate complex automotive industry standards with confidence. Our testing services cover numerous international standards and OEM specifications, providing documentation needed to demonstrate compliance and access global markets. We stay current with changing requirements, helping you avoid costly regulatory hurdles and market entry delays.

Uncertain service life

Reduce uncertainty about how your products will perform over timewith accurate estimates of service life under specific conditions. Our reliable data helps you make informed decisions about material selection and design improvements, reducing field failures and improving long-term product planning and lifecycle management.

Time-to-market pressure

Reduce development time with our efficient testing processes. We help you quickly evaluate and compare materials, identifying the best options without lengthy field testing. Our accelerated methods compress years of environmental exposure into weeks, giving you timely data for critical development decisions.

Why Choose Element

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

Automotive weathering expertise

Benefit from our deep understanding of how environmental factors specifically affect automotive materials and components throughout their service life.

Customized automotive test programs

Receive testing protocols precisely aligned with your vehicle's specific operating conditions, from desert heat to arctic cold.

Automotive standards specialization

Trust our comprehensive knowledge of automotive OEM specifications and international standards for weathering performance.

All-inclusive weathering programs

With dedicated experts for testing paint and coatings, polymer-based and metallic materials, our capabilities allow us to be your single source provider for all of your accelerated weathering testing needs.