Automotive Interior Testing
Accelerated Weathering and Light Resistance
Accelerated weathering testing of automotive interior components is essential for evaluating how materials like plastics, fabrics, and coatings withstand prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, and humidity. Common types of weathering tests include UV exposure, which uses fluorescent UV lamps to simulate the effects of sunlight, and xenon arc testing, which replicates a broader spectrum of natural sunlight, including visible and infrared radiation. During testing, samples are placed in a controlled chamber and exposed to cycles of UV light, heat, and moisture for a set duration. The materials are then evaluated for changes in color, gloss, texture, or mechanical properties. These tests help manufacturers predict the long-term performance of materials and make informed decisions about design and material selection.
Common Test Methods and Standards
AATCC Test Method 16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon Arc
AATCC Test Method 169 Weather Resistance of Textiles: Xenon Lamp Exposure
AATCC Test Method 186 Weather Resistance: UV Light and Moisture Exposure
ASTM D8137 Practice for Accelerated Aging of Leather
Ford BO 116-01 Resistance to Interior Weathering
General Motors GMW 9538 Weathering Exposure Tests for Interior Trims
GB/T 32088 Accelerated Weathering Test Methods for Automotive Nonmetal Components and Materials Using Xenon Arc Apparatus
GB/T 31881 Accelerated Weathering Test Methods for Automotive Nonmetal Components and Materials Using Fluorescent UV and Condensation Apparatus
GB/T QB/T 2727 Leather Color Fastness Test Resistant to Artificial Light Color Fastness Xenon Arc
GB/T 1865 Paints and Varnishes – Artificial Weathering and Exposure to Artificial Radiation – Exposure to Filtered Xenon Arc Radiation
GB/T 8427 Textiles – Tests for Color Fastness, Color Fastness to Artificial LightL Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test
Honda HES D 6601 Accelerated Test Method for Light Resistance with Xenon Arc Lamp
Honda HES D6601 Test Method for Light Resistance with Xenon Arc Lamp
Nissan NES M0135 Weatherability and Light Resistance Test Methods for Synthetic Resin Parts
FCA/Stellantis LP.7M005 Lightfastness/Weathering of Interior Trim
FCA/Stellantis 50471/01 Alternating Ultraviolet Radiation/Humidity Resistance Test
SAE J2412 Accelerated Exposure of Interior Automotive Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus
Volvo STD 423-0047 Light Exposure at 100°C: Accelerated Colour Fastness Test of Interior Materials
Volvo STD 423-0061 Light Exposure at 75°C: Accelerated Colourfastness of Interior Materials
Volkswagen PV 1303 Non-Metallic Materials, Xenon Arc Light Aging of Vehicle Interior Components
Volkswagen PV 3929 Non-Metallic Materials, Weathering in Dry Hot Climate
Why is testing necessary for automotive interior components?
Types of Materials Commonly Tested
Seating •Leather (natural and synthetic) •Fabric upholstery •Foam padding •Seat frames and mechanisms •Stitching and thread •Heated/ventilated seal components Dashboard •Plastics (ABS, PVC, polyurethane) •Soft-touch coatings •Plated plastic trim •Displays •Vents and HVAC controls •Adhesive layers and bonding materials Instrument Panel •Cluster displays •Buttons, knobs, and switches •Touchscreen surfaces •Backlighting components •Haptic feedback mechanisms Center Console and Door Panels •Plastic trim and bezels •Leather or synthetic coverings •Cup holders, storage compartments •Electronic components (USB ports, chargers) •Armrest materials and padding Wood, metal, or carbon fiber accents •Window switchgear and buttons •Interior door handles and lock mechanisms Steering Wheel •Leather wrapping or synthetic materials •Metal and plastic structural elements •Control buttons •Heated steering components •Airbag cover materials Flooring and Mats •Carpet fibers •All-weather rubber mats •Sound-dampening materials •Floor insulation layers Roof Liner •Fabric liners •Sunroof or panoramic roof trim •Insulation and soundproofing materials Interior Lighting •LEDs and backlighting modules •Ambient lighting strips •Dome and reading lights