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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.
Jump starting and charging a 12 V battery with a battery management system (BMS) may not be as simple as connecting cables to the battery. Most newer vehicles are equipped with a BMS and may have specific instructions on how to jump start and charge the battery.
Position statements are an important part of the repair process. They highlight specific information on areas such as, pre- and post-scanning, calibration, bumper cover repair, recycled parts, etc. These statements are sometimes used in conjunction with repair procedures, or they may update information found within repair procedures.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article about Toyota’s document, Vehicle Cleaning & Disinfecting. The article highlights many of the guidelines, including key interior and exterior touch point areas.
Did you know that some OEMs specify nugget size for spot and plug welds? This information is typically found within vehicle-specific repair procedures or can be found under general welding guidelines. Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus has to say.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued general disinfecting guidelines in regard to the COVID-19 virus. However, there are still many questions about disinfecting in the repair facility.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to straightening and repairing a vehicle back to specification, there are a few things to keep in mind.
While researching body repair manuals (BRM) and service manuals, we've created OEM-specific articles for additional information needed when repair planning. The goal of these articles is to help repairers create a more complete and accurate repair plan.
While researching body repair manuals (BRM) and service manuals, we're creating OEM-specific articles for additional information needed when repair planning. The goal of these articles is to help repairers create a more complete and accurate repair plan. One key aspect of repair planning is being aware of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) equipped on the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at two examples from Ford/Lincoln.
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?"
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.
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).
Subaru has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning. The updated position statement defines what Subaru considers a collision.
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 Tesla website.
Toyota/Lexus provides their welding requirements in one central location in each vehicle-specific collision repair manual. This includes information on the type of welding wire and shielding gas to be used. These requirements should always be followed. However, in addition, Toyota/Lexus has released collision Repair Information Bulletin (CRIB) #196 that updates the types of welding wire that can be used.
Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.
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.