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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.
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.
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.
Ford has issued a recall on the 2015 Ford F-150 adaptive cruise control (ACC) system. Let's take a look at how this may affect your customers and prevent a potential comeback.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
In case you missed it, there are now step-by-step instructions on how to access OEM repair information websites. These step-by-step instructions complement our how-to-videos on the OEM Information pages.
There's a new addition to the OEM Information pages for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. An icon has been added linking you to a page on Toyota's website that allows technicians to take Toyota collision repair training.
The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new video concept and we’re looking for your feedback. The concept videos provide a 360 tour around a late model, popular vehicle; the first being the 2015-2020 Ford F-150. The videos are designed to inform collision repair professionals of potential items you may encounter when an unfamiliar, new vehicle arrives at your facility. The goal of the videos is not to teach 'how' to repair, but to heighten your awareness that special tools, equipment, and training may be required.
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 additional 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.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement...
I-CAR is having a discussion on FCA/Stellantis sectioning guidelines.
Sometimes, going back to basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to GMA welding with adhesive bonding.
What should you do when a damaged Lucid comes into your repair facility? Do you measure it? Can it be straightened? What needs to be replaced?
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus says.
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, Lucid provides their answer.
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) considerations.
Rivian R2 Material Matrix is now available on the RTS portal.
Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to...
Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to...