
Vehicle Testing

DRIVEtest

Located in Laredo, Texas, DRIVEtest offers automotive industry clients a year-round proving grounds capability for evaluating passenger vehicles and light trucks during all phases of design through commercial production. Full vehicles, systems, sub-systems and components can be tested for performance and durability by a professional staff attentive to customer needs.

A joint venture between Smithers Scientific Services and MBtech Auto Testing Properties, DRIVEtest affords OEMs and Tier One, Two and Three suppliers an ideal testing environment. Among the service and testing capabilities offered are:

Vehicle performance and durability, including powertrain and all component testing
High speed vehicle evaluations
Vehicle dynamics
Fuel economy/alternate fuel testing
Suspension system/wheel testing
Tire testing
Brake testing
Vibration evaluations
Route characterization

The 2,000 acre facility includes the following testing alternatives:

5-mile high speed track, 2-mile oval ride course, cobblestone course, city driving course, Belgian block course, flintstone gravel course, limestone gravel course, ABS gravel test course, off-road course, mud course, rough road course, pothole course, body twist ditch, paved hill climb event, steering events course, splash troughs, rain test, and a vehicle dynamics facility

Trained drivers are experienced in a complete range of durability and performance evaluations, using standard industry protocols or customer-specific requirements. Public road testing services are also available.

Additional capabilities include a multi-lingual staff, provisions for the temporary services of engineers, technicians and mechanics. An on-site meteorological station provides live and historical weather data.

Facility access is strictly controlled and secure test areas can be arranged to further satisfy client confidentiality needs. Ample garage, storage, conference and office space is also available to meet any need that may arise.

Easily reached from all points in the U.S., Laredo is a rapidly growing metropolitan area that provides visitors with ample hotel, dinning and entertainment options. The climate is well-suited to ongoing testing operations. With 320 sunny days per year, an average temperature of 74.5 ºF (23.5 ºC), and a three shift/seven day operating schedule, virtually any demand can be satisfied.

For clients needing winter testing under snow and ice conditions, Smithers Scientific Services also operates a world-class facility in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visit www.wintertesting.com for more infromation.

Call today to learn more or to schedule a visit.