Smithers has earned ISO 17025 accreditation for its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas. The company operates the proving ground on behalf of Discount Tire.
The scope of accreditation for the site includes wet grip testing and tire buffing. Preparations to add other test methods, such as rolling resistance and pass-by-noise, to the accreditation are in progress.
“The tire industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tire,” said Sean Connolly, director of test track operations at Smithers Winter Test Center/Pearsall Test Track. “Understanding tire performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tire manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”
The on-site testing capabilities include a range of paved and off-road test surfaces for validating tire performance. The site also complies with UNECE Regulation No 117 Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise.
“We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation,” said Jim Popio, PhD, vice president, Smithers materials science and engineering division, North America. “Accurate data, on time, is central to the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”
In related news, new measurement technology from WOM Testing Technologies now makes it possible to directly capture tire behavior in real-world conditions. We sit down with Carlos Nerini, the company’s managing director and co-founder, to discuss how the solution came to life