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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.
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 2017 Lexus RX 350.
When repairing a vehicle, there are several questions that always need to be answered before and during the repair process. Things like what parts can be straightened, can heat be used to straighten, what type of sectioning joint should be used, and precautions for welding are a few of the important questions. To aid in answering these questions Toyota/Lexus has a document that provides answers.
The automotive glass industry had reached out to the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team previously with questions on OEM glass replacement requirements. This led to the OEM Glass Replacement articles, which are available for free on the RTS Portal. Recently, the team was contacted again asking for clarification on when calibration is required, specifically with a windshield replacement.
Ford and Lincoln updated their position statements. The updated position statements are available on the RTS portal under the OEM Information tab. Let’s take a look at what’s changed.
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models. When searching for repair procedures, knowing what to look for can save valuable time. Recently the Ask I-CAR team was asked, is there is a procedure for the roof molding bolts on a Subaru?
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 2017 Lincoln MKZ.
Mazda, as with many other OEMs, has issued a pre- and post-repair scanning position statement. Let’s take a look at this position statement.
The disconnecting and reconnecting (D&R) a battery is not as simple as it once may have been. An article recently published by Repairer Driven News (RDN) touches on the subject of battery D&R, specifically from Toyota. So, what does a repair technician need to know for battery D&R on Toyota vehicles?
I-CAR launched its Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal in 2014 in response to the industry's need for a tool that could provide better, faster access to information for repairing today's vehicles. The RTS initiative includes the Ask I-CAR feature. This is where you are able to submit collision repair questions. But what happens when a procedure or answer to your question isn't readily available in the OEM information?
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 constructed with a quarter panel rolled hem flange. The RTS Team is working to help you quickly identify if the vehicle you are repairing is constructed with a rolled hem flange. Starting with 2015 model year, when you check out the OEM Partial Part Replacement Search to find if procedures exist, you can see if the vehicle has a rolled hem flange.
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 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Tesla covers flow form rivets in the vehicle-specific Tesla Collision Repair Procedures ➤ General Repair Guidelines ➤ Using Flow Form Rivets. The document covers when to use flow form rivets, how to choose which rivet to use (along with part numbers), and how to prepare the panels for installation.
The OEM Restraints System Part Replacement Search has now been updated to include all models through 2017 and some of the 2018 models.
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 Restraints System Part Replacement Search search page.
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, "Does the steering column require inspection after any type of collision, regardless if the airbag deployed?" We reached out to Subaru for clarification.
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.
Great Designs In Steel (GDIS) 2026 covered multiple topics, many of which were presented by OEM engineers and tier 1 suppliers of body components.
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...
The 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 4, 2026. Every year, I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....
We are often asked, “Can a spray-in bedliner be repaired?” Let’s take a look at some repair options and considerations.
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s see what Volkswagen says.
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s see what Audi says.
I-CAR had numerous presentations at the 2025 SEMA show. One of these presentations focuses on considerations for ceramic coatings in the body shop.
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford/Lincoln corrosion protection.
Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. We know that paint film thickness can affect the performance of ADAS radars, but...
Nissan has released a collision position statement providing guidelines for refinishing the Nissan ARIYA bumper cover.