Dayton Oil Analysis

On-Site Oil Analysis in Dayton

Murphy's Autocare tests engine oil on-site with a Spectro Scientific MicroLab 30, so the sample does not go out to a mail-in lab. The test shows whether the oil can run longer, needs changing sooner, or carries wear metals and contamination that point to an engine problem. It is offered for automotive and fleet vehicles. Call 937-426-2886 to book a test.

Address: 3815 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432
Phone: 937-426-2886
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–5:00pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Book online: Schedule an appointment and ask for an oil analysis.

What does an oil analysis show?

Whether the oil is still good and whether the engine is wearing. The MicroLab 30 runs three kinds of tests on one sample:

• Oil chemistry. Six values: oxidation and nitration (the oil breaking down), total base number (how much of the additive package is left), soot, water, and glycol. Glycol is the base of most antifreeze, so it can point to a coolant leak.
• Viscosity. How thick the oil is, measured at two temperatures. Oil that has thinned or thickened no longer protects as it should.
• Elements. The standard test reads 10 elements: aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, molybdenum, potassium, silicon, sodium, and tin. Metals from moving parts show wear; silicon usually means dirt is getting in. An upgrade to 20 elements adds additive levels and more wear metals.

Together these answer two questions: when to drain the oil, and whether something inside the engine needs a closer look. Equipment details are on the Spectro Scientific MicroLab 30 page.

How often should a diesel or fleet engine be tested?

At each oil change at first. One sample shows the oil's condition that day; a series of samples from the same engine shows a trend. The trend is what sets a safe, longer drain interval, and a sudden jump in a wear metal or in glycol flags a problem before it becomes a breakdown.

The MicroLab 30 is built for engine oil in over-the-road vehicles and generator equipment, which makes it a fit for:

• fleets that want drain intervals based on the oil, not the calendar
• diesel pickups that tow or idle a lot, such as Duramax, Powerstroke, and Cummins trucks (diesel repair in Dayton)
• generator equipment that runs on hours, not miles

Want a test? Call 937-426-2886 or book online.

Oil Analysis for Fleets

Oil analysis is part of fleet maintenance at Murphy's. Each fleet vehicle also gets a maintenance schedule, a tracked service history, and a digital vehicle inspection with photos and video, and no repair starts until someone on your side approves it. See Dayton fleet maintenance and Beavercreek fleet solutions.

Technicians are ASE certified, and senior technicians hold ASE Master Certification. Repairs carry a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty, as described on our About page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get engine oil tested in the Dayton area?

At Murphy's Autocare. The shop tests engine oil on-site with a Spectro Scientific MicroLab 30, so the sample does not go out to a mail-in lab. Call the Beavercreek shop at 937-426-2886 to book a test.

What does an oil analysis show?

Whether the oil is still good and whether the engine is wearing. The MicroLab 30 reads six oil chemistry values (oxidation, nitration, total base number, soot, water, and glycol), viscosity, and 10 elements that show wear metals and contamination such as dirt.

How often should a diesel or fleet engine be tested?

At each oil change at first. One sample shows the oil's condition that day; a series of samples from the same engine shows a trend, which is what sets a safe drain interval and flags wear early.

Can I test the oil in my own truck, not just a fleet?

Yes. On-site oil analysis is offered for automotive and fleet vehicles. The MicroLab 30 is built for engine oil, so it suits diesel pickups and other trucks as well as over-the-road fleets and generator equipment.

How much does an oil analysis cost?

Call the shop for a quote. Price depends on the test, and the standard 10-element test can be upgraded to 20 elements to check additive levels and more wear metals.