Automotive Interior Testing
Humidity and Moisture Resistance
Automotive interior components and materials are tested for moisture resistance to ensure they can withstand exposure to humidity, condensation, and water without compromising their functionality, durability, or appearance. Vehicles are subject to diverse environmental conditions, including rain, snow, and high humidity, which can lead to moisture intrusion. Without proper resistance, materials may warp, corrode, discolor, or degrade, affecting not only the aesthetic quality of the interior but also the safety and performance of components like electronics and structural panels.
Moisture resistance and humidity resistance tests of automotive interior components are performed by exposing materials to controlled environments with high humidity levels or direct moisture exposure. In humidity tests, components are placed in climate chambers where temperature and relative humidity are carefully regulated, to simulate real-world conditions. Moisture resistance tests may involve spraying water, submerging components, or exposing them to condensation to evaluate their durability.
Common Test Methods and Standards
ASTM D1735 Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Fog Apparatus
ASTM D2247 Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity
Ford BI 104-01 Water Immersion Test for Painted Parts and Panels
General Motors GMW14729 Procedures for High Humidity Test
PSA Peugeot Citroen PSA D27 1541 Paint Coatings Blistering from Humidity
FCA/Stellantis LP.7M028 Resistance to Dye Transfer (Water Resistance)
FCA/Stellantis LP-463LB-12-01 Resistance to Humidity, Hot and Cold Cycling of Plastic and Trim Materials Test
VDA VDA 230-208 Leather and Plastic Roll Stock for Motor Vehicle Interior Trim - Hydrolytic Aging
Volvo STD 423-0017 Outdoor Testing in Sub-Tropical Climate
Volvo STD 423-0018 Moisture Resistance in Tropical Cabinet
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