Backup Batteries and Main Battery Disconnect

Posted on 09 April 2019

Backup batteries sometimes referred to as auxiliary or supplemental batteries, serve an important role in maintaining power for certain vehicle systems even while the 12-volt battery power is cut. The backup batteries can aid in emergency situations by maintaining power for features like GM OnStar, Toyota Safety Connect System, and FCA Assist to name a few.

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Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Volkswagen

Posted on 05 April 2019

A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Volkswagen say on the subject?

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Selecting The Correct Welding Equipment

Posted on 04 April 2019

In case you missed it, RTS issued several different articles outlining some features and variables to consider when purchasing welding equipment. When it comes to selecting your next piece of welding equipment, there are many different choices.

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Active Suspension for Road Handling

Posted on 03 April 2019

Suspension systems are made to absorb most of the impact of a bump in the road. This ultimately increases the ride quality from inside the vehicle. Over time, suspension has greatly improved. There are several different types of suspension, including active suspension.

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Back-To-Basics: Door Intrusion Beams

Posted on 02 April 2019

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to a damaged door intrusion beam, here are some things to consider.

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FCA/Stellantis: Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair

Posted on 01 April 2019

Weight-saving aluminum is being used more and more on vehicles to aid in fuel economy. There has been a learning curve for collision technicians to be able to adapt to repairing aluminum. Also, with aluminum comes a form of oxidation that typically appears near the panel flanges. FCA/Stellantis addresses this issue and how to fix it in a recently released Collision Bulletin.

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Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2019 Ford F-150

Posted on 29 March 2019

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 2019 Ford F-150.

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Audi Position: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning

Posted on 27 March 2019

We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Audi have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"

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Volkswagen Position: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning

Posted on 27 March 2019

We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Volkswagen have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"

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Fuel Economy Technology Systems: Active Suspension

Posted on 26 March 2019

Tightening regulations on fuel economy along with rising awareness about pollution have influenced vehicle design and function in recent years. However, most consumers are not willing to sacrifice comfort, vehicle size, or power, so auto makers needed to use different methods to boost fuel economy. For the most part, aerodynamics can be directly related to fuel efficiency. The smoother air flows over the vehicle, the less power is required to make the vehicle move, leading to higher fuel economy. Unfortunately, a vehicle that has excellent aerodynamics may not be a functional vehicle for everyday consumers. So, other measures needed to be taken. In this series we’ll break down some of the methods used to boost aerodynamics and fuel economy along with any special cautions on how to repair them. Let’s check out active suspension.

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Powertrain Overview: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Posted on 25 March 2019

Since the creation of the first modern automobile nearly a century and a half ago, there has been one dominant engine option on the market, the gasoline internal combustion engine. Now the gasoline internal combustion engine has some challengers trying to steal the crown. There have been many different types of engines in the past but many of them relied solely on fossil fuels to operate.

Recently because of increasing fuel economy standards and emission awareness, a new breed of engines is emerging, many relying on electricity to aid in powering the vehicle. With these new power plants comes a new set of rules and warnings on how to repair them. A lot of collision technicians have an idea about how some of the new powertrains work, but not a full understanding of what is going on under the hood. It is important to understand the inner workings of the engine in order to safely and properly diagnose and repair them after a collision. In this series, we’ll walk you through many of the current engine options and how they convert the fuel they’re consuming into usable power. Let’s explore the hybrid powertrain.

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GM Navigation Video: UPDATE

Posted on 22 March 2019

General Motors (GM) has updated their www.acdelcotds.com service and repair information website. This update to the website changes how to find the collision repair information you need.

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Ford On Target 2019: Volume 1

Posted on 21 March 2019

Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2019. Features of the issue include collision repair procedures for the 2019 Ford Ranger front fender apron repair.

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Fuel Economy Technology Systems: Eco Mode

Posted on 20 March 2019

Tightening regulations on fuel economy along with rising awareness about pollution have influenced vehicle design and function in recent years. However, most consumers are not willing to sacrifice comfort, vehicle size, or power, so auto makers needed to use different methods to boost fuel economy. For the most part, aerodynamics can be directly related to fuel efficiency. The smoother air flows over the vehicle, the less power is required to make the vehicle move, leading to higher fuel economy. Unfortunately, a vehicle that has excellent aerodynamics may not be a functional vehicle for everyday consumers. So, other measures needed to be taken. In this series we’ll break down some of the methods used to boost aerodynamics and fuel economy along with any special cautions on how to repair them. Let’s check out Eco Mode.

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Powertrain Overview: The Internal Combustion Engine

Posted on 19 March 2019

Since the creation of the first modern automobile nearly a century and a half ago, there has been one dominant engine option on the market, the gasoline internal combustion engine. Now the gasoline internal combustion engine has some challengers trying to steal the crown. There have been many different types of engines in the past but many of them relied solely on fossil fuels to operate.

Recently because of increasing fuel economy standards and emission awareness, a new breed of engines is emerging. Many are relying on electricity to aid in powering the vehicle. With these new power plants comes a new set of rules and warnings on how to repair them. A lot of collision technicians have an idea about how some of the new powertrains work, but not a full understanding of what is going on under the hood. It is important to understand the inner workings of the engine in order to safely and properly diagnose and repair them after a collision. In this series, we’ll walk you through many of the current engine options and how they convert the fuel they’re consuming into usable power. Let’s explore the gasoline internal combustion powertrain.

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