Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The seventh column calls out if the vehicle maker has information in regard to the recommended attachment method and the equipment required for complete, quality, and safe repairs.

The Repairability Technical Support Portal continues to support some of the same great features that were originally on www.i-car.com, like collision repair news. That is why Collision Repair News is the new name for the articles that you came to know and love in the I-CAR Advantage.

When GMA (MIG) welding ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), like boron-alloyed steel, there are a few additional things to consider. Most UHSS parts are typically replaced using squeeze-type resistance spot welds (STRSW) at a factory seam and GMA (MIG) plug welds used to attach the part where a spot welder cannot reach.

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.

The type of shielding gas that should be used depends on the metal being welded. A mixture of 75% argon and 25% CO₂ is the recommended shielding gas for collision repair on mild and high-strength steels. Pure argon is used for welding aluminum and when welding steel with silicon bronze wire.

Information for the Dodge Dart has been updated on the OEM Partial Parts Replacement Search. The collision repair information is currently available on the FCA/Stellantis pay site at www.techauthority.com

Today's Vehicles Require Updated Collision Repair Tools And Training

by Jason Bartanen

Ever since the unveiling of the 2015 Ford F-150 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the U.S. automotive industry has been buzzing about this game changing, aluminum intensive vehicle.

When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use of 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.

The OEM Technical Information Matrix has been updated to include Kia information. The corresponding, Collision Repair Information Availability chart has also been updated on the Kia-specific OEM Information page.

Kia Motors has released comprehensive collision repair manuals for most of their vehicles, in the United States!

Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The fifth and sixth columns call out sectioning of two different areas. The fifth column is Structural Sectioning Procedures including front or rear rails. The sixth column is Outer Body Panel Sectioning Procedures including outer unisides and quarter panels.

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.

With so much boron-allowed steel, does a plasma arc cutter even belong in a modern collision repair facility? The simple answer is yes but in limited areas, and it should be used at the lowest setting that can still effectively cut the material.

General Motors released a new full-frame sectioning kit for the front frame rails on 2011 - current 2500/3500 GMC Sierra and 2500/3500 Chevrolet Silverado. A similar kit has been available for the light-duty pickups, but this new part kit is specific to the heavy-duty pickups.

The OEM Technical Information Matrix has been updated to include Volvo information. The corresponding, Collision Repair Information Availability chart has also been updated on the Volvo-specific OEM Information page.