Collision Repair News

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 Twitter @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.



Powertrain Overview: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

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.

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Backup Batteries and Main Battery Disconnect

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

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

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

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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FCA/Stellantis: Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair

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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Fuel Economy Technology Systems: Active Suspension

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)

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.

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Ford On Target 2019: Volume 1

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

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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