Prepare Properly Before Putting Your Vehicle to the Test

A dyno test places a vehicle under controlled load to measure performance. Because the vehicle may operate at high engine speeds and under significant load during testing, its mechanical condition should be checked beforehand.

Arriving with worn tyres, low fluid levels, damaged belts, or an existing mechanical problem could affect the test and potentially prevent it from being completed safely.

Preparing your vehicle correctly helps create more reliable testing conditions and allows the dyno session to focus on measuring performance.

1. Check Your Engine Oil and Fluids

Start by checking the basic condition of the vehicle.

Before dyno testing, check:

Engine oil level and condition
Coolant level
Transmission fluid where applicable
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid where applicable

Leaks should also be investigated before testing.

A vehicle with low fluid levels, contaminated fluids, or an active leak should be inspected before being subjected to demanding test conditions.

2. Inspect Spark Plugs and Filters

Good combustion and unrestricted airflow are important when evaluating engine performance.

Check the condition of:

Spark plugs
Air filter
Fuel filter where applicable
Oil filter

Worn spark plugs can contribute to poor combustion or misfires, while a heavily restricted air filter may limit airflow.

Starting with correctly maintained components helps ensure the results better represent the vehicle’s actual performance.

3. Check Hoses and Belts

Belts and hoses can deteriorate with age, temperature, and normal vehicle use.

Inspect for:

Cracking
Fraying
Loose connections
Bulging hoses
Coolant leaks
Signs of excessive wear

A component that is already close to failure may struggle when the engine is placed under load.

Replacing obviously worn components beforehand can help avoid interruptions during testing.

4. Inspect Your Tyres

For chassis dyno testing, tyre condition is particularly important because the tyres interact directly with the rollers.

Before testing:

Check tyre pressure
Inspect tread condition
Look for cuts or sidewall damage
Confirm tyres are suitable for the vehicle
Make sure wheels and tyres are in safe condition

Poor tyre condition can create a safety concern and may affect how consistently the vehicle performs during the test.

5. Address Existing Warning Lights and Performance Problems

A dyno session should not be used as a substitute for repairing known mechanical problems.

Before testing, pay attention to:

Engine warning lights
Transmission warning lights
Misfires
Overheating
Fluid leaks
Unusual noises
Severe vibrations

If the vehicle already has a known fault, diagnostic testing may be required before a performance run is appropriate.

6. Make Sure the Vehicle Has Suitable Fuel

Fuel quality can influence engine performance, particularly on vehicles that have been tuned or require a specific fuel grade.

Before arriving for the test:

Use the fuel recommended for the vehicle
Avoid arriving with an almost empty tank
Use the same fuel normally used when comparing results
Tell the technician about relevant modifications or tuning

Consistency is especially useful when comparing dyno results from different testing sessions.

7. Tell the Technician About Vehicle Modifications

The technician should know about modifications that could affect the test.

Mention relevant changes such as:

Engine modifications
Turbocharger or supercharger upgrades
ECU tuning
Exhaust modifications
Transmission modifications
Fuel system upgrades

Providing accurate information helps technicians understand the vehicle setup and interpret the results appropriately.

Pre-Dyno Testing Checklist