Don’t have a leak: What the watertightness tests for ŠKODA cars entail

1. “Thanks to this modernisation, the watertightness testing laboratory has expanded its range of options to test leaks in cars. At the same time, it has doubled its capacity,” says Jaroslav Kasl, head of Brand Quality Management.

“Usually, the test takes a few dozen minutes, but we also perform long-term tests lasting several hours.”

3. After the modernisation, the test room can now also test tilted cars. “This test is one of the latest corporate regulations. We would not be able to do it without the new technology,” continues Petr Kořínek, group coordinator. Tilting the car simulates a situation where, for example, it is parked on a steep incline.

5. The local test lab is also developing a new RFID technology (radio frequency identification) to be used by the entire VW Group. It is a non-contact method that uses a digital system to detect the presence of water inside the car. Small RFID sensors responsive to moisture can be integrated into the car’s interior. During the test, a reading frame passes over the car to read the data from the sensors and determine whether it has been exposed to water.

7. All water used in the watertightness tests is recycled. Ten cubic metres of water drawn from a sump tank circulate in the test room’s closed circuit. “We recycle up to 375 litres per minute and, when running at high speed, up to 1,000 m³ per month,” explains Pavel Novotný, another member of the team. During cleaning, the water passes through coarse and fine filters and is disinfected with UV radiation every night. The water in the circuit is changed once a month and then flows into the sewer.

“We recycle up to 375 litres per minute and, when running at high speed, up to 1,000 m³ per month.”