THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT.
THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE.
THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT.
THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE.
The S•O•S℠ Fluid Analysis FAQ provides answers to common questions about oil, coolant, and fuel testing for your equipment. Learn how S•O•S℠ sampling works, what each test measures, how to read your results, and which sample kits are right for your application. Ohio Cat’s S•O•S℠ program helps you monitor component wear, prevent failures, and extend the life of your machines through accurate, reliable fluid analysis.
Q: I’ve been viewing my S•O•S℠ samples without an account. Why do I need one now?
A: As S•O•S℠ Services fluid results transition to VisionLink, access now requires a Parts.Cat.Com User Account associated with an Ohio Cat Customer Account. This change helps ensure secure access, consistent data visibility, and the ability to use enhanced features such as notifications and groups.
Q: What is the difference between having an Ohio Cat Customer Account and a Parts.Cat.Com User Account?
A: An Ohio Cat Customer Account establishes a formal partnership between our company and yours, utilizing a Cash On Demand or line of credit agreement for invoicing, access to Ohio Cat services, and overall specialized support catered to your business needs.
A Parts.Cat.Com User Account is then associated to your Customer Account to provide you with access to all the Caterpillar tools necessary for purchasing parts, accessing technical data, and managing your machine fleet.
Q: Is it free to open the necessary accounts?
A: Yes! Opening both a Customer Account and User Account are free, providing access to an abundant amount of Caterpillar resources.
Q: Do I need a separate login for VisionLink?
A: Yes! Opening both a Customer Account and User Account are free, providing access to an abundant amount of Caterpillar resources.
Q: Will my historical S•O•S℠ Fluid Analysis samples still be available?
A: Yes, your SOS data is stored with your machine, along with previous work orders and warranty information.
Q: Who within my organization should create a Parts.Cat.Com account?
A: Anyone within your company who wants to take advantage of Caterpillar’s digital platforms—such as Parts.Cat.Com, SIS, and VisionLink—can create an account. Access to S•O•S℠ fluid analysis samples in VisionLink is simply another benefit of having an account!
Q: How do I interpret the abbreviations on my fluid sampling report?
A: You can find our Fluid Sampling Interpretations Guide by clicking here, this sheet allows you to review the different results of coolant, fuel, and oil sample reports.
Q: Where can I find a breakdown of the available coolant, fuel, and oil analysis test kits?
A: Each of our pricing guides for all available coolant, fuel, and oil sample kits can be found on our SOS Fluid Analysis page, or you can view/download the individual pricing guides of our Oil Sample Kits, Coolant Sample Kits, or Fuel Sample Kits.
Q: How should I determine whether I need to buy a sample kit that includes tubing and mailers or shuttle/drop-off only?
A: In short, a fluid sample kit that includes mailer and tubing provides you the tubing required to safely ship your collected equipment fluid sample as well as covers postage fees when shipping via the provided mailing label. A kit that includes mailer and tubing is not necessary if you intend to drop-off your collected equipment fluid sample at your nearest Ohio Cat location – we will ensure your sample kit gets delivered to our in-house fluid analysis lab based out of our Cleveland location via our daily-operated internal parts shuttle.
Q: How should I perform equipment fluid sample collection?
A: Visit our SOS Fluid Analysis page for tips and tricks when collecting equipment fluid samples for advanced reporting, or you can watch our How-To video here.
If you have questions about accessing VisionLink, setting up your accounts, or viewing your S•O•S℠ fluid analysis samples, contact our support team at PL@ohiocat.com.
Never miss out on the latest news & specials when you subscribe to Ohio CAT® marketing updates