I-CAR Best Practice: Recycled Restraint System Parts
- Posted on 06 January 2017
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?”

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?”
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 is 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.
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 A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.
For those of you that weren’t able to attend the 2016 SEMA show there was a live demonstration on replacing the aluminum box side on the Ford F-150. But luckily Collision Hub’s cameras were rolling. Let’s take a look at the video.
Mercedes-Benz is known for their use of technology in their vehicles. Many of their models are equipped with some of the latest and greatest bells and whistles. So, what does this mean for collision repair technicians when it comes to repairing these vehicles. Let’s see what Mercedes-Benz has to say.
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 A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.
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.
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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...
As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....
Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...
The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...
Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.
I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.
Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...
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...
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...
Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...