
Winter Testing

Information about Smithers Winter Proving Grounds

Smithers Winter Test Center - Raco, Michigan

Engineering concepts and theories will always remain just that until tested in real world conditions. This is especially true in the transportation industry, where it is critical that the design and performance of vehicles and their components be evaluated and verified through testing that duplicates conditions encountered in actual use. Smithers Winter Test Center can fulfill an almost unlimited array of winter testing needs.

Located in northern Michigan, Smithers Winter Test Center, is ideal for testing and conducting performance evaluations of vehicles, tires and components under the special challenges of extreme cold and hazardous road conditions.

Smithers Winter Test Center Proving Grounds Smithers Winter Test Center is ideal for testing all types of vehicles and components in harsh winter climatic conditions.

The Smithers Winter Test Center is utilized by manufacturers of vehicles ranging from small automobiles to Class 8 trucks, vehicle components (both OE and aftermarket), sn Smithers Winter Test Center Proving Grounds ow handling equipment, construction equipment, recreational and seasonal sport vehicles and military equipment.

Our winter operations provide clients with:

Special testing surfaces

Snow surfaces of various compaction ratings and area sizes
Ice surfaces on straightaway, circular and arc-configured roads
Split coefficient surface pads of ice/concrete and ice/snow
Alternating Mu pads (ice/asphalt)
Checkerboard pads (ice/asphalt)
Varying degrees of slope (snow and ice)
Various packed-snow vehicle handling courses

Vehicle durability and component evaluations Smithers Winter Test Center Chatter Bump Track

Tire testing
Cold weather power train
Snow-ingestion testing
Heater/defroster testing
Fuel system testing
Antilock brake testing
Cold-start testing
Power steering evaluation

In addition to the extensive outdoor test facilities, the complex includes a well-equipped 20,000-sq. ft. heated garage and offices. Off-site remote office and garage locations may be available on request. We can also construct special test surfaces to meet your needs.

Smithers Winter Test Center has 17 separate testing areas for testing all types of vehicles and components

Smithers Winter Test Center Track Map