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 how to replace the laser weld on the A-Pillar of a 2013 Ford Fusion.

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to preparing and refinishing bare plastic, there are a few things to keep in mind.

One of the top technical inquires 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 Nissan 370Z.

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have been mandatory in new vehicles for some time now. Though many repair technicians have encountered them, there are still questions about how they are serviced. There are differences in how TPMS function ranging from simple plug and play sensors to requiring special tools and programing. Different vehicles and OEMs require different steps or procedures when handling TPMS. Let’s have a brief overview of what can be required to repair these systems.

While many have noticed that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), are showing up on vehicles. There still is confusion on what is required of these systems after a collision occurs. The Ask I-CAR team frequently get questions in regard to calibration of ADAS. Many of these questions can be answered simply by searching the OEM Calibration Requirements Search. However, there are some questions that may need more details than the calibration search provides. Let’s take a look at the 2019 Toyota Camry ADAS.

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.

Did you know that Volkswagen provides a build guide for their vehicles, 1999 to present? This guide is an invaluable resource in aiding you make sure you find the correct body repair manual.

Did you know that Audi provides a build guide for their vehicles, 1999 to present? This guide is an invaluable resource in aiding you make sure you find the correct body repair manual.

Traditional transmissions have two major categories, manual(standard) and automatic. Manual transmissions have the driver change the gears, whereas automatics shift on their own without driver input. Manual transmissions have always been known for their faster acceleration and better fuel economy. Well to much surprise, today's automatic transmission outperforms the manual transmission on almost all fronts. It gets consistently better fuel economy, has faster acceleration, and even smoother shifts than ever before. If that’s not enough, many automatic transmissions can also be manually shifted if you want to reminisce about the good old days every now and then. For this reason, you may have noticed the decline in manual transmissions. With the new high-tech automatics there can be special considerations for repairers.

Repairer Driven News released an article on the 2020 Corvette Stingray, which outlines the variety of materials used in the light-weight construction of the vehicle. The mid-engine vehicle has been called “a smart mixed-materials strategy” by Chevrolet.

Automotive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are well known and are frequently discussed. These systems bring safety advancements that are unprecedented, and until recently, were just the subject of science fiction.

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 Lexus UX 200.

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to headlamp aiming, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The ninth installment of the I-CAR Collision Reporter – The Vision Issue, has been released. This issue focuses on the latest technology that is helping keep motorists safe during collisions and avoid collisions entirely.

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 Mazda say on the subject?