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Tested for the road ahead. How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time

Tested for the road ahead
How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time


Imagine a vehicle in its toughest environment – facing extreme temperature shifts, from the freezing cold to the intense heat of engine compartments. Every component has to perform properly, including something as seemingly simple as a label.

Automotive labels do far more than display information. They ensure safety, compliance and traceability, helping manufacturers meet industry regulations and protecting drivers from costly mistakes. But how do you make sure a label remains legible and functional in the harshest conditions – whether it’s deep inside an engine compartment or exposed to constant UV radiation?

The answer lies in testing. OEMs and tier suppliers set strict specifications to qualify labels for long-term durability, but converters are often required to prove compliance. Among the many evaluations outlined in OEM specifications, humidity resistance, chemical exposure and abrasion testing are key in determining whether labels can withstand real-world automotive conditions.

We took a look at some of these tests to see what it takes to meet industry-leading standards:

 

Tested for the road ahead. How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time

 

1. High humidity aging resistance: battling condensation

Vehicles experience extreme temperature shifts – whether parked in a humid garage or driven through rain and snow.

The ISO 6270-2 test simulates continuous condensation exposure by subjecting labels to 40°C and 100% relative humidity. Unlike standard high-humidity tests, this creates a layer of constant water condensation on the surface, pushing adhesives to their limits.

Some emulsion-based adhesives absorb moisture, temporarily weakening adhesion. While this can be reversed over time, automotive standards often do not allow enough reconditioning time to restore adhesion fully – meaning only the toughest labels pass the test.

 

Tested for the road ahead. How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time

 

2. Light fastness & weathering: UV resistance in action

Not all automotive labels sit in shaded areas – some, like fuel tank lid labels and door frame stickers, are subject to prolonged UV exposure.

To guarantee long-term readability and durability, labels undergo UV exposure tests to measure their resistance to fading. And accelerated weathering tests take this a step further – combining cycles of UV light and humidity to simulate real-world conditions.

Without proper protection, labels can experience:

  • Color fading that affects legibility

  • Ink and face degradation that compromises compliance

  • Partial detachment from the substrate

Most automotive specifications allow only minimal changes in visual appearance, ensuring that labels remain clear and functional for years.

 

Tested for the road ahead. How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time

 

3. Chemical resistance: surviving harsh fluids

Automotive labels often come into contact with aggressive chemicals, from fuel splashes to engine oils and industrial cleaners. The ability to resist chemical damage is critical, especially for labels placed near fuel tanks, under the hood or in high-contact areas.

To test chemical resistance, during testing labels are subjected to (depending on OEM specifications):

  • Wiping tests

  • Dropping tests

  • Immersion tests

Label performance in these tests depends significantly on the printing method. Inks and ribbons play a crucial role, and in some cases, overlamination films provide additional protection to ensure longevity.

 

Tested for the road ahead. How to make sure automotive labels stand the test of time

 

4. Abrasion resistance: tolerance to friction and wear

Labels must remain legible even after repeated friction, rubbing and mechanical contact. To evaluate durability, two industry-standard tests are mainly used:

  • Crockmeter test – where a cloth is rubbed over the label’s surface under controlled pressure and speed

  • Taber abraser test – where a rotating wheel applies defined force in a circular motion

Which test is requested often depends on regional preferences. For example, the taber abraser test is more commonly used in the US and Asia, while the crockmeter test is more frequently applied in Europe. The taber abraser test is particularly intense, as the heat generated by friction can cause thermal transfer ribbons to soften, leading to smudging and loss of readability. So, picking the right ribbon for each label material is essential for ensuring durability under extreme conditions. 

At Avery Dennison, we offer a range of materials designed to meet automotive standards. And for new label qualifications or specific testing needs, our ISO/IEC 17025 (Registration number L702, RvA Netherlands) certified AD Procerta™ service can provide the necessary support to ensure compliance with OEM and tier supplier specifications.

After all, automotive labels need to perform under pressure, and we make sure they do. Get in touch with us at label.support@eu.averydennison.com, and let’s test your labels for the road ahead.