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




Volkswagen Restraints Wiring

The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Volkswagen's position on this subject.

Continue Reading...


Straightening And Heat: Toyota, Lexus, Scion

A question often asked of the Repairability Techincal Supports (RTS) team is, does Toyota allow the use heat to straighten? There are several Collision Repair Information Bulletins (CRIBs) from Toyota, Lexus, and Scion that states their position on the use of heat when straightening.

Continue Reading...



The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Recognizes I-CAR

In October 2015, Automotive Repair and Smog Check News published their fall newsletter with an article titled "Piecing Together Proper Sectioning Repairs." This newsletter announces the fact that I-CAR best practices are now recognized as industry-accepted specifications, in the absence of OEM repair procedures, by the state of California.

Continue Reading...



Plastic Repair: Adhesion Promoter

Adhesion promoters, or surface modifiers, are extremely important when making some types of adhesive plastic repairs. If the adhesion promoter is not applied when required, or applied incorrectly, the repair will fail. (although there are some exceptions because some plastics do not require adhesion promoters). Let’s take a look at some ways to avoid this type of repair failure.

Continue Reading...



Stationary Glass Pinchweld Preparation - New Panel

When dealing with stationary glass, should I refinish the area where the urethane will be applied to a new pinchweld? Should I remove the E-coat in that area? Let's take a look at some pinchweld prep basics for new panel installation; like a quarter panel for example.

Continue Reading...


Ford Lane Keep Assist Overview

On the new Ford F-150, lane keep assist is an available option. With any of the advanced vehicle safety systems, one of the most important things to know is how to identify the system is on the vehicle at the repair facility. Once identified, information is needed on when calibration is required and what tools and equipment are needed to perform the calibration. Let's take a look at the lane keep assist system on the 2015 Ford F-150.

Continue Reading...


Active Headrest Overview

Some vehicles are equipped with an active headrest. These headrests are designed to move forward during a rear collision to reduce the chance of whiplash injury. Let's take a look at some of the key points when working with an active headrest and some of the resources to find information.

Continue Reading...


Making Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) A Standard Feature

A group of vehicle makers got together recently and discussed the future of automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology in their vehicles. This feature is designed to reduce the severity and frequency of collisions; but no matter how good it is, it will never prevent all accidents from happening. So what do you need to know in order to repair vehicles with AEB, and how do you know the system is functioning properly?

Continue Reading...


What Is the Vehicle of the Future Made Of?

The question is often asked, what material will be used in the car of the future? Should we concentrate on learning how to repair steel, aluminum, magnesium, or carbon fiber? For that answer, we need to look at present-day vehicles for some clues.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning Joint Configuration Terminology

When it comes to terminology in repair procedures, there is often a great deal of confusion as to what type of sectioning joint is called out in a specific repair procedure. To help end some of that confusion, let's look at the three basic sectioning joints.

Continue Reading...