Road Test / Roller stand test (Focus 1)

There are various reasons why a road test or roller rig test may be required. This subsection presents the road test or roller rig test procedure logically, starting with the preliminary checks, then engine start and stop, pre-drive checks, drive test checks, including the final checks to complete the test procedure.

If there is no need for a comprehensive vehicle check, there is no need to perform a full road test. Instead, only those sections that directly relate to the system(s) being checked can be used.

Preliminary checks

WARNING: If the brake fluid level is low or a leak is detected in the hydraulic system, do not road test the vehicle until the cause of the low fluid level has been determined or the cause of the leak has been corrected.

It is recommended that prior to a road or roller test, preliminary and functional checks are always carried out on those systems/electrical circuits that determine the safe and legal operation of the vehicle, i.e. brakes, lights and steering.

• Engine oil level
• Engine coolant level
• Correct tire pressure, compatibility of tire types and tread patterns, degree of tire wear
• Sufficient fuel supply in the tank to perform the test
• All areas near the engine, transmission and underneath the vehicle for leaks of oil, coolant, working fluids and fuel. Mark the leaks and wipe the adjacent areas. This will help in determining the size of the leak upon completion of the test.

Starting the engine

NOTE: When starting off with a cold engine for the first time and for the first 1.5 km (1 mile), do not depress the accelerator pedal more than halfway until the vehicle has reached a speed of at least 25 km/h (15 mph). Never run the engine at high speed or use full throttle while the engine is cold.

With the ignition off, check the following points:

• Is the parking brake engaged?.
• Is the gear shift lever in neutral?.
• Are all gauges (except the fuel gauge) set to "zero"?.

With the ignition on, check the following points:

• Is the ignition indicator light on?.
• Does the engine temperature gauge show a value that corresponds to the engine temperature?.
• Does the fuel gauge show a value that corresponds to the fuel level in the tank?.
• Operation of the parking brake indicator lamp and fluid level indicator lamp.

Checking during road test or roller test

CAUTION: While the speed is still low, check the brakes before continuing the test. If the vehicle pulls to one side or exhibits any other fault, do not continue the road test until the fault has been identified and corrected.

• Clutch pedal action is not tight or difficult.
• Primary gear engagement is smooth and there are no signs of clutch grabbing.
• The parking brake lever operates smoothly and the brakes release quickly and completely.
• The clutch operates smoothly, without slipping or jerking.
• Gear changes are smooth and there are no unusual noises or vibrations coming from the gearbox.
• Engine output is normal, full power is achieved, acceleration is smooth, pedal action is not tight or heavy, engine speed decreases to idle speed correctly.
• There is no excessive exhaust smoke or abnormally colored smoke during normal driving, heavy duty operation, or engine braking.
• The steering, including the power steering (if any), operates smoothly, accurately, without increased effort or without excessive play or vibration. There is no sideways pull, and the car smoothly self-centers after turning.
• The speedometer, oil pressure indicator light, coolant temperature gauge and tachometer (if equipped) read correctly and function properly.
• Switches and controls (regulators, levers) operate smoothly and accurately, indicator lights and indicators work correctly, the turn signal control lever automatically returns to its original position after the steering wheel is returned to the center position.
• Heating and ventilation systems operate properly and efficiently.
• Action and efficiency of brakes.

Checking the brakes

WARNING: When checking the brakes, avoid breathing fumes from hot brakes, as they may contain hazardous asbestos dust. See the Health and Safety Precautions chapter.

Avoid testing your brakes on busy roads where your actions may cause inconvenience or danger to other road users.

CAUTION: Brake testing, including testing under severe conditions (emergency braking, etc.) should not be performed if the vehicle has new brake pads/discs or pads/drums that have not yet been bedded in. New brake friction components will not be fully effective until they have completed the bedding process.

Test the brakes at several speeds within the normal operating range. Use both light and hard, firm pressure on the brake pedal. Watch for any tendency to jerk, drag, or grab, or any excessive delay in applying or releasing the brakes.

Allow the vehicle to coast and also note any tendencies to pull away or signs of brake drag.

After stopping the car (but not immediately after emergency braking), carefully check the temperature of the brakes. A disc that is hot to the touch or noticeably hotter than the others indicates that the brakes are sticking.

After completing the test, check the vehicle:

• Check for leaks of oil, engine coolant, hydraulic fluids, air and fuel.
• For the presence of abnormal temperatures of any moving parts or components, such as wheel hubs, gearboxes, drive axles, etc., which may indicate overtightening or poor lubrication of components and parts.