Pursuing "Most Adverse" Circumstances during Extreme Cold Trials
At the Shibetsu Proving Ground in Hokkaido, Toyota's test drivers put vehicles through their paces in some of the world's harshest winter conditions. This facility plays a crucial role in ensuring Toyota's cars perform reliably and effectively in cold climates.
The rigorous testing conducted here includes cold start and engine performance tests, traction and stability assessments on icy and snow-covered surfaces, durability evaluations of components impacted by cold, and repeated runs over specialized courses designed to simulate severe winter roads and conditions.
One of the unique tests at Shibetsu is the "Deep Snow Plow" test, where a 2.5-tonne Land Cruiser 300 is rammed into walls of snow more than 50 or 60 cm deep. The primary goal of this test is to check if repeatedly getting stuck or driving on snowy roads damages the car's bumpers or causes problems with the radiator. Takaaki Suzuki, from the Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section, oversees this test for the Land Cruiser.
Another critical test is ice accretion testing, where car parts are checked for damage due to ice buildup caused by water and slush from the road. Otomo, a test driver at Shibetsu, replicates "worst-case" icing conditions by circling a set test course for approximately four hours in a sub-zero environment. SX Hiroshi Shiratori, who conducts these tests alongside Otomo, explains that they control the tests to make sure they get the worst possible conditions for ice accretion testing.
The ultimate aim of these extreme weather tests and driver skill evaluations is to fine-tune vehicles for global markets where winter conditions are critical. By anticipating and eliminating potential problems faced by customers living in cold regions, Toyota aims to provide peace of mind when they drive.
[1] Toyota Global Website: Shibetsu Proving Ground [2] Toyota Global Website: Cold-Weather Testing at Shibetsu Proving Ground
Note: This article is based on the provided bullet points and does not include any additional research or sources beyond those mentioned.
Financing and technological advancements are essential for the automotive industry, as they contribute to the development of vehicles that can withstand harsh winter conditions such as those tested at the Shibetsu Proving Ground. Transportation in cold climates demands reliable performance, and Toyota's focus on finance and technology allows for the creation of vehicles that can effectively tackle trials like deep snow plow tests and ice accretion testing.
