Ford has released their publication, Ford On Target 2018: Volume 2, which can be viewed on the I-CAR website. Features of the issue include collision repair options for 2015-2018 Ford F-150 outer roof panel, and overview on the 2018 Ford Expedition, and Ford’s updated position statements. Let’s take a look at this edition.

One of the top technical inquires received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or Partial Part replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Lexus CT200h.

General Motors has launched their new Collision Repair Network and it is now open for enrollment. There are a number of qualifications an interested shop will be required to meet, including I-CAR training.

As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) initiative's OEM Linking Pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently we have had several technical inquiries asking about non-SRS wiring repairs on Nissan and INFINITI vehicles. We reached out to Nissan/INFINITI for clarification.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget some of the most minor steps in the application of products, especially if they are being used every day. One common mistake that is made during the repair process is leveling the two-part adhesive cartridges before the use of a product.

Hyundai has recently released two new position statements. These position statements are available on the RTS portal under the Hyundai OEM Information tab. Let’s take a look at the new statements.

One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Honda and Acura use keyword searches to find repair information on the Service Express website. These keywords allow you to efficiently get to the repair information you are researching. Honda and Acura have made information easily accessible at techinfo.honda.com.

A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots, that left untreated will lead to corrosion, and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what we learned in this series.

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 restraint 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 Mazda website.

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing an outer panel, contour mapping can occur. This is where a repair was improperly prepped for refinishing, and the repair area can be seen through the basecoat and clearcoat.

You may have noticed that there are many cameras/sensors, that according to the OEM Calibration Requirements Search, require calibration if installed. This statement has brought up questions from the collision industry. What does it mean to install something? If the tailgate that houses the 360° camera is installed, even though the camera wasn’t removed from the tailgate, does that qualify as the camera being installed? Let’s take a look at how to interpret this information.

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is set to arrive later this year. A recent article by Repairer Driven News covers many new features the collision repairer industry will need to know.

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to seam sealers, there are some common mistakes that are easily avoidable and can have a huge effect on the durability of the repair.

The fifth installment of the I-CAR Collision Reporter - The Training Issue has been released. Is ongoing training part of your standard operating procedure?