Collision Repair News

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 Twitter @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.



The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360 video on the 2017 BMW 7 Series. The video provides a 360 tour around the all new 7 Series.


Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what General Motors (GM) recommends and where this information can be found.


Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged vehicles. In the I-CAR Repairability Summit the topic of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) collision repair diagnostics process was discussed.


Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.


When it comes to the various restraints system parts, whether it be the airbags, parts for seat belt system, or wiring, we are often asked, “What does I-CAR recommend?”

First and foremost, we recommend to Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures. Now let’s take a look at what I-CAR specifically states as a best practice.


Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what BMW/Mini recommends and where this information can be found.


Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.


Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Honda/Acura recommends and where this information can be found.


Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.


With all of the advancements in vehicle technology in recent years, it brings the need for new equipment and new training to repair modern vehicles. It also, brings the question “Is your shop ready?” Let’s take a look at some of the equipment needed for now and the future.


Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.


The steering system on a vehicle could be considered one of the most important and necessary systems on a vehicle. After all, without steering the driver couldn’t control the vehicle. This makes it important to know what the OEM recommends when it comes to this system. Let’s take a look at what MBUSA has to say.


Here at I-CAR we receive a lot of question about the use of aftermarket and recycled parts, when repairing a vehicle after a collision. We are not in the position to tell you what parts you can and cannot use. However, some OEMs publish position statements to give guidance as to what they do and do not permit when selecting which parts to use to restore the vehicle to its pre-collision state. Mercedes-Benz (MBUSA) has released an updated position statement to help answer these question. Let’s see what MBUSA has to say in their revised position statement.


Since its launch in July 2014, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal continues to be an ever-evolving source of features designed to aid all of those involved in the Collision Repair Industry. Here’s an updated breakdown of the features on the portal.


Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.