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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.
Information for the Dodge Dart has been updated on the OEM Partial Parts Replacement Search. The collision repair information is currently available on the FCA/Stellantis pay site at stellantisiop.com
by Jason Bartanen
Ever since the unveiling of the 2015 Ford F-150 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the U.S. automotive industry has been buzzing about this game changing, aluminum intensive vehicle.
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use of a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
The OEM Technical Information Matrix has been updated to include Kia information. The corresponding, Collision Repair Information Availability chart has also been updated on the Kia-specific OEM Information page.
Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The fifth and sixth columns call out the sectioning of two different areas. The fifth column is Structural Sectioning Procedures including front or rear rails. The sixth column is Outer Body Panel Sectioning Procedures including outer unisides and quarter panels.
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
With so much boron-allowed steel, does a plasma arc cutter even belong in a modern collision repair facility? The simple answer is yes but in limited areas, and it should be used at the lowest setting that can still effectively cut the material.
General Motors released a new full-frame sectioning kit for the front frame rails on 2011 - current 2500/3500 GMC Sierra and 2500/3500 Chevrolet Silverado. A similar kit has been available for the light-duty pickups, but this new part kit is specific to the heavy-duty pickups.
The OEM Technical Information Matrix has been updated to include Volvo information. The corresponding, Collision Repair Information Availability chart has also been updated on the Volvo-specific OEM Information page.
Earlier this year, at Great Designs in Steel 2014, Ford shared details about the construction of the 2015 Ford Mustang. The 2015 Mustang will use a variety of different steels, from mild to ultra-high-strength (UHSS), throughout the vehicle structure.
More great things have been added with the launch of the new website. Each OEM, or vehicle maker, now has their own OEM Information page. You are able to access an OEM-specific page by clicking on their emblem. There are a variety of types of information available for each OEM. The icons will link you the following OEM-specific types of information:
When attempting to cut boron-alloyed steel using a cutoff wheel, you may question whether you will even be able to cut the part or just be using up discs?
The fourth column in the OEM Technical Information Matrix: Partial Service Part/Assembly Replacement Procedures at Factory Seams, can get a little tricky without further clarification. For the most part, this is a column that I-CAR is still researching published OEM information to get the answers to. The question is: Does the vehicle maker have procedures for replacing a partial service part or assembly at factory seams?
Ever hear how an air chisel is for mechanics and nothing more than a crude tool for cutting a hole in a part to gain access? Would you ever use it to remove an exterior body panel from a reinforcement?
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.
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.
I-CAR had numerous presentations at the 2025 SEMA show. One of these presentations focuses on considerations for ceramic coatings in the body shop.
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford/Lincoln corrosion protection.
Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. We know that paint film thickness can affect the performance of ADAS radars, but...
Nissan has released a collision position statement providing guidelines for refinishing the Nissan ARIYA bumper cover.