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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.
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 Nissan recommends and where this information can be found.
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 sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360 video on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The video provides a 360 tour around the new Bolt EV.
Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2017. One of the articles discusses the construction and repairability of the frame on the 2017 Super Duty. Ford has made the 2017 Super Duty an all-aluminum body, over a steel frame following suit of the F-150. With mixed materials, special considerations need to be taken with the frame construction. The article describes what materials the frame is comprised of, and how it is constructed. Also, what parts are available for repairing the frame after a collision. Let’s take a look at the new Super Duty frame.
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 Volvo recommends and where this information can be found.
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.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 13, 2017 –I-CAR launched the Repairability Technical Support™ (RTS) Portal in July 2014 to enhance the overall repair process for the collision repair inter-industry. The online portal puts the most up-to-date collision repair technical information at the fingertips of front-line technicians, shop owners, estimators, insurance specialists and field educators in one, easy-to-navigate hub.
If you have used the BMW/Mini repair information website since the first of the year, you may have noticed a message. This message was stating the BMW/Mini was transitioning from WebISTA to AIR for the delivery platform to find repair information. WebISTA has been removed from the BMW site as of March 1st. Let’s check out the new AIR platform and how to navigate it.
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern vehicles. You may be required to look in numerous manuals to find the information required to safely repair the vehicle.
We recently posted a position statement from Nissan regarding bumper repairs on vehicles equipped with Blind Spot Warning System. There was some uncertainty around some of the wording, so we reached out to Nissan to get some clarification on what the statement meant. Let’s take a look at what we found out.
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 Volkswagen recommends and where this information can be found.
Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) released their position statement today on Pre- and Post-Repair System scanning. Per their statement, ETI agrees with the stance that many vehicle makers have taken with requiring a pre- and post-repair system scanning as part of the collision repair process. Let’s see what ETI have to say.
When spot welding on a Honda vehicle, what settings should be used if the body repair manual doesn’t specify? We were recently asked this question so we escalated it up to Honda. Let’s see what they had to say.
A hot topic question that the ASK I-CAR team has been repeatedly asked, “Does Ford have an approved sectioning procedure for the outer quarter panel that does not require the removal of the roof panel?” We now have the answer!
The collision repair industry is ever-changing. In an average year, there are over a hundred new models, face-lifts, and redesigns. With all of these changes, it can be difficult to keep up with all the makes, models, and new technologies. Luckily, I-CAR’s RTS team is dedicated to keeping track of these changes and locating where to find this new information. In 2016 we have added several features and improvements to the RTS portal to make this this ever-changing information easier to find. Let’s take a look.
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.
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.
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.