Automotive Proving Ground Corrosion Testing

Complete vehicle accelerated corrosion testing on the proving ground is a mandatory testing tool among vehicle manufacturers around the globe. This article focuses on creating some awareness of the difficulty in applying reliable corrosion tests for all corrosion-sensitive automotive systems at once. It describes the various factors for a complete vehicle testing, including wear from road grit, dirt, salt load, elevated temperatures, and mechanical effects such as chafing and fretting. The article discusses the four main test blocks, namely, driving sequence on various proving ground tracks, exposure of the vehicle in one or more ways to road deicing salts, static exposure to forced climatic conditions, and additional elements such as operating the mechanical systems of the vehicle, car washes, and so forth. It concludes with information on the major advantages and drawbacks of a full-service-life test.