Cold Cranking Simulator (CCS)
Please note we do not manufacture or sell testing equipment. We use the CCS to help validate our products and provide our customers with data.
Lubricants
What is it?
The Cold Cranking Simulator (CCS) measures the apparent viscosity of oils at temperatures from –35°C to –5°C. It is a high shear method and is designed to simulate the oil viscosity under cold starting (cranking) conditions. The test method used is ASTM D5293.
Why do we use it?
The low temperature cranking viscosity is one of the four basic viscosity measurements in SAE J300 which defines the rules around engine oil viscosity grades. It is necessary to measure the CCS value of every formulated engine oil in order to check that it is within the viscosity grade.
How does it work?
The CCS contains a temperature controlled (glycol cooled) pot test chamber. The motor controlled stator is housed within the chamber. The CCS uses a vacuum pump to inject the test sample into the test chamber, where it is cooled to the required test temperature. A motor stator with a constant current is started. The resistance of the stator in the sample at the test temperature is converted into viscosity in mPa.s.
CCS Test Limits in SAE J300:
SAE Viscosity Grade : CCS (mPa.s)
- 0W : 6200 @ -35ºC
- 5W : 6600 @ -30ºC
- 10W : 7000 @ -25ºC
- 15W : 7000@ -20ºC
- 20W : 9500 @ -15ºC
- 25W : 13000 @ -10ºC