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



Emerging Technology: Tire-Mounted Pressure Sensors

It is always exciting to see what new gadgets are in upcoming vehicles. Each year, new technology is poured into the automotive space including sensors, radars, lights, entertainment, and safety devices. These new technologies are often a driving force for vehicle purchases. What new technology has emerged, and how can it affect repairability? Let’s take a look at tire-mounted pressure sensors.

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Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Volkswagen

Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the park assist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what Volkswagen has to say.

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Structural Sectioning Procedures: Maserati

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.

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OEM Linking Pin: 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Sectioning Through Quarter Glass - Joint Type

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. Recently, we had a technical inquiry that asked on the type of sectioning joint to be used in the quarter glass flange when sectioning the outer quarter panel on a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The lap joint specified in the procedure would prevent the quarter glass from being seated properly. We reached out to GM for clarification.

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Rolls-Royce 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 Rolls-Royce position on this subject.

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One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Hyundai

What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information"?

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Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Mercedes-Benz?

Navigating OEM websites can be challenging when searching for collision repair procedures, especially as no two OEM websites are alike. What happens when you need to find other types of repair information, such as, "What needs to be inspected after a supplemental restraints system (SRS) deployment?", or "Does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) require a scan tool or specialty tool?" Let's take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz website.

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Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Maserati

What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair limitations? These are just some of the questions that the RTS team fields on a daily basis.

As we know, today's vehicles can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Knowing if the OEM provides information on body construction materials and repair guidelines is a crucial step in providing a complete, safe, and quality repair. Let’s see what Maserati has to say.

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Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Jaguar Land Rover

What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair limitations? These are just some of the questions that the RTS team fields on a daily basis.

As we know, today’s vehicles can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Knowing if the OEM provides information on body construction materials and repair guidelines is a crucial step in providing a complete, safe, and quality repair. Let’s see what Jaguar Land Rover has to say.

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