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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.
Article originally appeared in Repairer Driven News on December 17, 2015
By Steve Marks
Would you ever attempt to repair a late-model collision-damaged vehicle without three-dimensional measuring? Of course you wouldn’t. Without measuring, it isn’t possible to determine the extent of damage, or to identify hidden damage – which can impact the safety of drivers and passengers in future accidents.
Yet, every day, many vehicles are returned to owners with hidden damage because according to technicians, “There isn’t a warning lamp illuminated on the dash.”
When you're working on a hybrid vehicle or and electric vehicle, what precautions should be taken before welding?
On December 10, 2015, the editors of The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hosted a technical webinar on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
There has been a lot of discussion in the media lately on fuel cell vehicles, but what few have discussed is the collision repair of these vehicles. So let's take a look into the not-too-distant future.
Per your requests, we are adding step-by-step instructions on how to access the vehicle maker repair information to complement our how-to-videos on the OEM Information pages. Easily reference this article by clicking the link under the video on the Rolls-Royce OEM Information page.
The OEM Information pages continue to grow, here are a few of the new features for this area of the RTS portal.
The I-CAR developed OEM Partial Parts Replacement Search on the RTS Portal now features updates on the BMW i3 and i8 vehicles through model year 2015.
When it comes to supplemental restraints systems (SRS) wiring repairs there are a wide range of procedures between vehicle makers, so it is always important to check the service information before considering any repairs. Let's take a look at the Honda/Acura recommendations for SRS wiring repair.
Article originally appeared in Repairer Driven News on November 5, 2015 By John Huetter
The days of fixing a car based on your own skill and experience alone are over. You’ve got to reference and follow the OEM procedures every time.
This was stressed over and over by experts in such diverse fields as scanning, joining, steel and aluminum Thursday at the Society of Collision Repair Specialists OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at SEMA.
I-CAR's Director of Industry Technical Relations, Jason Bartanen, sat down at the 2015 SEMA Show with Fender Bender to discuss the progress and features of RTS since its launch in July 2014. Here's a breakdown of the main features of the portal.
Sectioning: the process of cutting a portion of a part based on the location of collision damage and vehicle maker recommendations, removing the part, and installing a portion of the undamaged service part. Additionally, sectioning is a process that is done away from a factory seam.
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.
Article originally appeared in FF Journal March, 2014 - By Gretchen Salois
After an accident, reassuring repair work is essential.
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.
The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support “Ask I-CAR” feature and the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) help the industry with common issues but in different ways. Let's take a look at what each can do for you.
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.
I-CAR is having a discussion on the growing issue of counterfeit OEM repair and service parts.
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...
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...
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. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...
The I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair Facility And Equipment Best Practice document focuses on the infrastructure and major equipment required to repair today's increasingly complex vehicles, while...
Ford has released the second installment of their On Target publication for 2026.
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...
General Motors (GM) has followed other OEMs by updating one of their position statements that disallows the use of recycled and salvaged parts.
I-CAR had a discussion on the growing issue of counterfeit collision repair parts.
While researching OEM repair information, you may come across specific notes, instructions, or warnings for high-voltage (HV) vehicles. Some general procedures can be easily overlooked, so it’s...