In 1973, GM rolled out this commercial to show how they tested brakes on the C10 pickup in the field. In the video, they “pre-heat” pre-heat to 600 degrees F the brakes with oxy-acetylene blow torches mounted in the wheel wells. The driver then performs a series of hard stops.

This test was probably thought up by the marketing department and not the engineering department. Most engineers would never want a blow torch exposing the brake hoses, hardware and even the sway bar end links to a direct flame.

Could you imagine this guy firing up torches when he is behind or in front of you? I wonder if they did this type of testing at night?