What is Climatic Cycle Testing?

Climatic cycle testing involves evaluating the resistance of materials and components to cyclic climatic and temperature change stress. The test simulates extreme climatic conditions over a vehicle’s lifespan – from arctic cold to tropical heat.

Test Method

Samples are exposed to cyclically changing temperatures and humidity:

• Temperature range: typically −40 °C to +120 °C
• Humidity: up to 95% RH in humid phases
• Cycle duration: 12–24 hours per cycle
• Number of cycles: 5–30 cycles, depending on OEM requirements

Evaluation: Cracking, color change, gloss change, deformation, functional testing.

Climatic Cycle Testing According to OEM Standards

The following table shows all OEM-specific standards for climatic cycle testing covered by the ASO Laboratory:

Manufacturer	Standard	Description
BMW Group	AA-P 276	Temperature Change Test
General Motors	GM 9505P	Climatic Cycle Test
General Motors Worldwide	GMW 14124	Climatic Cycle Test
Publisher	D47 1309	Climatic Cycle Test
Publisher	IEC 60068-2	among others, Climatic Cycle Test
Jaguar Land Rover	TPJLR.52.353	Climatic Cycle Test
Nissan Motor Co.	NES M0132	Climatic Cycle Test
Nissan Motor Co.	NES M0153	Climatic Cycle Test
Porsche AG	PPV 4015	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group	PR 303.4	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group	PR 303.5	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group	PR 308.2	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group	TP 303.5	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group (VW/Audi/Porsche/SEAT/Škoda)	PV 1200	Climatic Cycle Test
Volkswagen Group (VW/Audi/Porsche/SEAT/Škoda)	PV 2005	Climatic Cycle Test
Volvo Car Corporation	VCS 1027,33759	Cyclic Climatic Aging
Volvo/Scania	STD 3907	Climatic Cycle Test

Frequently Asked Questions about Climatic Cycle Testing

What does climatic cycle testing simulate?

Years of vehicle use under extreme climatic conditions: frost in winter, heat in summer, tropical humidity, significant temperature fluctuations. The cyclic stress accelerates aging processes such as cracking and embrittlement.

Which temperature ranges are tested?

Typically −40 °C to +80/+120 °C, depending on the installation location. Engine compartment parts are subjected to higher stress than interior parts. Heating and cooling rates are standardized to ensure reproducible results.

How many cycles are performed?

Between 5 and 30 cycles, depending on OEM requirements and component class. A cycle typically lasts 12–24 hours. The total test duration can be several weeks.

Your Climatic Cycle Testing at the ASO Laboratory

The ASO Laboratory conducts climatic cycle testing according to all common OEM standards. Our DAkkS accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 guarantees standard-compliant results.

Contact us for a quote – we will advise you on optimal sample planning and test scope.