PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Colmis Proving Ground To find out more, scan the QR code or visit: SAFE WINTER TESTING GUIDELINES There are several basic recommendations for things to consider when driving in cold climates Winter has come to an end in the northern hemisphere and will soon begin in the southern hemisphere. However, preparations for the next winter season are just around the corner for facilities situated in the north, such as Colmis Proving Ground. No matter the season, there are some important recommendations for safe driving when testing in cold-climate conditions, Colmis emphasizes. Safety has been a priority since the start for Colmis, and a cornerstone of the modernization of the Swedish proving ground in the last couple of decades. Besides other key aspects, such as diligent track preparation and the use of a top GPS geofencing monitoring system such as the Rajd Proving Ground Management System, which enables continuous surveillance while securing immediate support for any vehicle on the test tracks, one of the safety pillars at Colmis is its mandatory cold-climate driver training. Introduced back in 2016, this training must be completed by anyone testing within the proving ground. It ensures that every individual has basic knowledge of driving in winter conditions. Furthermore, it provides a set of tools for people to self-assess and develop their skills. Every season, 400-600 engineers take part. The instructors at Colmis Proving Ground have compiled a list of 10 things to keep in mind when undertaking winter tests, covering the planning and execution phases. Although the order depends on each case, without aiming to be a comprehensive guidebook, the following items are worth considering when working on a winter test: 1) Check and follow the rules and regulations of both the country and 72 MARCH 2024 www.colmis.com the proving ground one is visiting. As an example, in some places – such as Sweden – drivers must have their headlights on at all times, 24/7, 365 days a year. Testing on public roads without having them on can result in a fine. Talking of which, many people don’t realize that the auto mode, which switches on the daytime running lights, doesn’t always switch on the rear lights. Even if it is not mandatory by law, having the lights on will ensure the vehicle is visible to others. Another example of variation between countries is the permitted alcohol levels, which can vary considerably. For instance, in Sweden it is 0.2% blood alcohol concentration versus 0.5% in some other European countries – and at Colmis Proving Ground it’s strictly 0%. As such, drivers should simply play it safe and never drink any alcohol and drive. Some basic rules on the proving ground itself are typically the following: don’t test on transportation lanes, only overtake or park where allowed, respect the speed limits, and keep a reasonable distance from other vehicles. 2) Have the right clothing in the vehicle in case of an incident. Walking in a T-shirt in temperatures as low as -20 ° C for as little as a couple of hundred meters to try to find help is less enjoyable and more dangerous than people might think. Also, take along the basics. A reflective vest and triangle, a towrope, a shovel and a battery-powered torch are the key items. 3) Use suitable products for the extreme climatic conditions: winter diesel/gasoline, winter coolant and lubricant. If the vehicle arrives at the winter proving ground with the www.AutomotiveTestingTechnologyInternational.com