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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.
Auto glass has long been considered an important part of a vehicle’s structure. In a publication released by Repairer Driven News (RDN), Toyota discusses how their pinch weld flanges are prepared in a way that “provides the best paint adhesion and corrosion protection and creates the perfect bonding surface for glass.”
In this series, we will be highlighting the four different BMW Repair Stages. Though not each of the stages may apply to a particular repair, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with each. The stages are located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals under 0 Contents of Body, General - Repair Method section (see Figure 1). Let’s take a closer look at the additional information available in Repair Stage 3.
What is a non-SRS wiring repair? It is the repairing of an electrical component that is not part of the supplemental restraints system circuit (usually identified by yellow wire looms). As technology increases on vehicles, so does the number of components that utilize electricity. Many of the sensors and modules are becoming smarter and more sensitive. If the wire is too long, the wrong gauge, or spliced in the wrong location it can cause malfunctions in the components that it’s powering. Many OEMs have different restrictions and guidelines for repairing wiring that does not control SRS components. On the other hand, there are OEMs that don’t allow wiring repairs at all, so full harness replacement is the only option.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to adhesives, it is important understand the product you are using, and how it is supposed to be used.
In this series, we will be highlighting the four different BMW Repair Stages. Though not each of the stages may apply to a particular repair, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with each. The stages are located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals under 0 Contents of Body, General - Repair Method section (see Figure 1). Let’s take a closer look at the additional information available in Repair Stage 2.
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 2018 Subaru BRZ.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) published an article on why technicians at Porsche have told the repair industry that technicians are to never repair Porsche wheels. A collision repair technology instructor for Porsche named Mike Kukavica elaborated on why this rule was put in place.
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 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar.
FCA/Stellantis has developed an addition to the Jeep family that will be available in 2019, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. This vehicle uses Jeep’s traditional body on frame design, with many other Jeep trademarks added into the overall look of the vehicle. Though the Gladiator may sport many of Jeep’s famous features, it brings some new materials and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for collision repair technicians to be aware of.
This highly visible malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), also known as a check engine light, can be set off for a variety of reasons related to electrical problems, mechanical issues, and even after a crash. Scan tools can usually pick up the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) to assist in figuring out where the issue lies so it can be fixed, but this is not always a guaranteed way to find the problem. Some issues, such as flaws in calibration, will not trigger the check engine light or report any diagnostic trouble codes.
Honda/Acura has released a service bulletin on December 7, updating their recommended list of seam sealers and adhesives for collision body repairs. The charts in the bulletin contain a variety of products from 3M, Fusor, SEM, and Kent.
The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has put together a series of videos highlighting each area of the RTS portal. These videos are designed to help educate you on the types of information you will find in each area. Let’s take a look at the OEM Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Disable Search page.
In 2015, I-CAR RTS looked toward the future of vehicle technology by releasing the OEM Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Disable Search. This search made finding vehicle-specific hybrid and electric vehicle disable procedures, emergency response guides, refinishing and welding precautions, locations of the batteries, and location of the high-voltage disconnect quick and easy to find. Since the initial launch, many updates and new vehicles have been added to the vehicle search. Let’s see what enhancements were made.
It seems everyday concerns about fuel economy and the environment take a grasp on the collision industry. Differing construction materials, fastening methods, and vehicle technology will force many repairers to adapt to new repair methods. According to an article by Repairer Driven News (RDN), the strongest force in vehicles may be electric vehicles.
As the industry continues to ask about servicing the Nissan Rogue liftgate, we reached out to Nissan and they provided us with this letter as their answer.
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.
I-CAR is having a discussion on the growing issue of counterfeit collision repair 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...
Honda has released the third volume of The Joy Of Repair newsletter.
One of the many functions of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is to assist the collision repair industry with understanding repair procedures. The team often receives questions such...
One of the many functions of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is to assist the collision repair industry with understanding repair procedures. The team often receives questions such...
Volvo has updated its position statement on windshield replacements.
The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and...
I-CAR had a discussion on using the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) for repair planning.
Like your computer and mobile device, shop equipment may require updates to fix bugs or add new features. Miller Electric Manufacturing Co (Miller) manufactures welders, some of which support...
Great Designs In Steel (GDIS) 2026 covered multiple topics, many of which were presented by OEM engineers and tier 1 suppliers of body components.