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Your job requires that you keep on top of the latest in vehicle, tool, and equipment technology – I-CAR is committed to helping you do so in one convenient place. We regularly publish new articles highlighting the latest and greatest collision repair information.
So check back often and follow us on X @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) recently released an article on how the plastics industry has an interest in the discarded bumper fascias from body shops. The idea isn’t to refurbish the damaged fascias, but rather to use the thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) from the bumpers.
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a technical inquiry that asked for clarification on the difference between the 2016-present Kia Optima JF and the Optima JFA.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan.
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a technical inquiry that asked for clarification on the bolt part number for the side curtain airbag on a 2018 Acura MDX.
Part availability can play a major role in the repair plan for collision damaged vehicles. This is especially true when the way a part is serviced changes. Honda issued a Body Repair News publication reminding the collision industry that the trunk floor for the 2012-15 Honda Civic is not a single part anymore. Rather, it consists of four separate components.
Collision repair shop locator websites are nothing new, there are more than a few to choose from, but now there is a new player in town and who it is and what is does is what sets it apart from the rest.
The 55th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place June 25-29, 2019 in Louisville, KY. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers to judge the collision repair technology competition. Let’s take a look at this year’s results.
DEG or the Database Enhancement Gateway, is a service that connects insurers and repairers with the estimating services. Users can inquire about a specific subject or search for a previously answered questions that deal with Audatex, Mitchell, and CCC estimating programs. An article by Repairer Driven News (RDN) highlights some adjustments made by DEG in the month of June 2019.
Usage of adhesives, foams, and seam sealers has skyrocketed in recent years. Consumers demand their vehicles to be quieter, stronger, and last longer than ever before. With so much use of these materials, it can get confusing to figure out what material goes where, especially when looking at a diagram or a list of the required steps.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, "Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?" To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let's take a closer look at the 2019 Kia Optima.
In case you missed it, RTS published several different articles featuring aluminum welding quick tips. As it is often stated, welding aluminum is not necessarily harder than welding steel, it is just simply different.
MIG brazing is becoming more popular than ever before. Different steel properties make them sensitive to the high temperatures that welding creates. MIG brazing solves the heat problem that welding creates by using a lower temperature to attach materials. MIG brazing comes with its own set of rules for use. Panel prep, technique, and machine setup all play major roles when it comes to using MIG brazing.
Stringent crash test ratings and fuel economy standards are making OEMs get creative with strengthening vehicles while maintaining or even lessening overall weight. Different materials are being used along with adding additional reinforcements. If you have repaired recent model year FCA/Stellantis vehicles, you may have noticed the usage of composite reinforcements.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Lets take a closer look at the 2019 BMW 7 Series iPerformance.
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a technical inquiry that asked for clarification on sectioning the outer quarter panel through the rolled hem flange on a 2019 Acura TLX.
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) has published an article highlighting the restriction on parts for the front frame rail of battery electric vehicles (BEV) issued by General Motors (GM).
We are often asked, "What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?" Let’s see what Nissan/INFINITI says.
While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...
The summer edition of General Motors (GM) Repair Insights is now available.
I-CAR is having a discussion on the growing issue of counterfeit OEM repair and service parts.
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...
The I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair Facility And Equipment Best Practice document focuses on the infrastructure and major equipment required to repair today's increasingly complex vehicles, while...
Ford has released the second installment of their On Target publication for 2026.