What Goes Into Automotive Testing?

We all want to know that the cars we’re driving are safe and have gone through a rigorous testing process. All cars go through various tests before being sold to the general public, from crash to cold weather tests. Rest assured that every component of a car, from the seat belt to the muffler, meets every testing standard.

Here are a few of the ways that automakers test cars:

• Crash tests: If you search online for your car’s make and model, you’ll most likely find a video of its crash test. These tests use dummies or even cadavers to see how a crash will impact drivers and passengers. This makes sure all the car’s crumple zones work as expected.
• Electric car tests: Electric cars are a relatively new addition to the car market. While they save on gas, some are nervous about the lack of noise that accompanies these cars. As a result, car manufacturers are testing adding artificial sounds to electric vehicles so pedestrians and other drivers can hear them coming.
• Durability tests: When you purchase a car, it’s fair to want to know how long it will last before you need to buy a new one. Long-term durability tests could mean driving a car 24 hours a day, every day, on a test track for over a month. It might also feature opening and closing a door thousands of times a day.
• Dynamometer tests: These tests look at the performance and durability of a vehicle. They can be applied to a transmission, transaxles, rear axles, half shafts and more. It’s a great way for automakers to test engines before a car lands in the hands of a consumer.
• Cold weather tests: You want to know that your vehicle will operate just as efficiently in cold weather as it does on a spring day. For these tests, engineers drive cars through slush pits, freeze the cars solid, and more in climates no one wants to experience. It’s all to make sure your vehicle holds up in frigid weather, starts when you need it to and warms up relatively quickly.

Cars Tested for Durability

When you’re testing cars for durability and performance, you need tools that are also durable and high-quality. Cooper Instruments & Systems has various products that have helped major automakers test their vehicles and make them as safe as possible. We’ve worked with Ford, Honda, Toyota, GM and many of their leading suppliers and designers to help them improve their products and processes.

We have load cells, reaction torque transducers and more for your automotive testing needs. Use our reaction torque transducers to measure clutch/motor rotary forces. Or, you can purchase our model LPM 530 and LFS 270 miniature load cells when you need a rugged load cell. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for, call us and we can try to get what you need. If not, we can modify existing products to meet your specifications.

View our catalog of products online and call us or fill out our contact form for our help with modifying and customizing products for your needs.