General Motors unveiled the redesigned versions of their heavy duty 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. The new models will have two available powertrain options, a gas and a diesel. Many new standard and available features have been built into these trucks with work in mind.

Many people remember the good old days of the child lock, which was located in the jamb of the rear doors. The only way to open the rear door, was for someone to let you out. Many siblings have used this feature to torture their brother or sister, by locking them in the vehicle. Not to mention the annoyance this can cause a collision repair technician when they can’t figure out why the rear door won’t open from the inside. Well it appears, gone are the days of the manual child lock and onto an electronic child lock system. A system that also utilizes technology to make sure it is safe for the child to exit the vehicle.

The OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page is a simple way to find out if an OEM has a published procedure for sectioning a part or partially replacing it at factory seams. The RTS team has created a guide on How To Use The OEM Partial Part Replacement Search.

Several OEMs have started including rear seat reminder systems into their vehicle, especially the SUVs and crossovers. These systems are in place to try and prevent a child or pet from being left in a hot or cold vehicle. Most systems work by paying attention to the actions of the passengers. It does this by taking note if the rear doors of the vehicle were opened before the vehicle started operation. If they were opened, the vehicle will normally ding and put an alert on the dash to remind the driver there may be a child or pet in the back seat. One OEM has taken this a step further in order to protect against children and pets from being left in a vehicle.

This year at the Chicago Auto Show, RAM unveiled their new 60-40 split multifunction tailgate. This tailgate offers the functionality of a standard tailgate, as well as a split that allows the tailgate to open like French doors. This innovative tailgate is available for all 2019 RAM 1500 variants and is assured that it is still trailer-friendly.

The newly redesigned Range Rover Evoque made its US debut at this years Chicago Auto Show. The new Evoque body style was inspired by the Range Rover Velar. Along with the overall body changes, the Evoque offers two engine options: gas powered and a 48-volt mild hybrid. But that’s not all!

As you know, Bird’s Eye View or 360º Cameras are becoming more prevalent in new vehicles. It provides drivers the ability to view the surroundings of the vehicle on the center council screen. This feature is a convenient safety tool for vehicle owners. But, what does this mean for the repair process? Toyota released a document with information on how this Bird’s Eye View camera works and how to operate it. The document also contains important steps for calibrating this system.

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 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In.

I-CAR has a newly released 360 video with a overview of the new, full electric 2018 Nissan LEAF! This video will run through important information about new ADAS systems within the vehicle, as well as structural changes and repair information like sectioning and partial part procedures that are available through the OEM. The 360 video also covers high voltage charging and high voltage disable procedures for service and repair work. With the new Nissan LEAF, comes more advanced technology. This video overviews some of the ADAS systems and their functions, as well as calibration requirements.

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

One of the position statements Volvo released covers the subject of pre- and post-repair scanning. As with many other OEMs who have released similar position statements, Volvo’s statement explains when to scan, what vehicles require scanning, and information that supports their position.

A major issue that faces many collision repair technicians is comebacks. With modern vehicles, many of those comebacks are due to electrical problems, bad grounds being a huge contender. Mazda has identified this as a common problem and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) on the subject.

Volvo’s position statements can now be accessed directly from the I-CAR RTS Portal. These position statements are housed in the Volvo OEM Information page. Let’s take a look at what these position statements include.

The 2019 MAZDA3 has been fully redesigned. Along with the redesign comes some new construction highlights for Mazda and for the entire industry. The 2019 model features more steel over 980MPa than the previous generation.

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 Honda HR-V Crossover.