ASTM D4955-89(2008)

This practice is intended to define the range of properties to be tested, the apparatus to be used, and the comparisons of automotive polish performance to be made. Since conditions, products, and apparatus vary, considerable discretion must exist among formulators and marketers in these areas and on what properties or performance characteristics are most significant for their products. This practice is intended to be flexible enough to honor this fact within the description of automotive polish in Section 2.

The test methods are subjective and empirical in order to conform to the basic characteristics of the class of products and to allow flexibility in testing. This also conforms to typical consumer experience.

The practice also allows for flexibility in choice of environmental characteristics under which the durability testing is done. This allows discretion to be exercised by those testing the products in order to provide greatest significance for the products being tested as they are intended for various marketplace needs.

1.1 This practice covers the evaluation of the performance properties of automotive polishes. This practice is applicable to products that are commonly referred to as car/auto wax, cleaner wax, polish, and the like. This practice is limited to a comparison among test polishes, with a standard polish, or both, under the conditions of the individual test. The comparative results are indicative of absolute performance only insofar as the test conditions are representative of all normal application and use conditions.

1.2 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.