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.



OEM Linking Pin: 2018 Buick Regal MIG Brazing

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. The roof of the Buick Regal is laser brazed from the factory along both sides of the roof. In repairs, Buick repair procedures require MIG brazing to replace the laser brazed seam, a first from GM. Recently we had a technical inquiry that asked if adhesive bonding, instead of MIG brazing along both sides of the roof, could be used to replace the roof.

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Common Mistakes: Body Filler On Bumpers

When it comes to repairing bumper covers, sometimes common mistakes can be made that will affect the quality and durability of the repair. One common mistake is using body filler and glazes designed for metal substrates on plastic bumper covers.

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Back-To-Basics: Fisheyes

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 can easily be avoided in order to prevent fisheyes.

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Industry Trends: Active Child Safety Lock

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.

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Rear Seat Reminder Gets More Serious

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.

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Chicago Auto Show: RAM’s New Multifunction Tailgate

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.

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Chicago Auto Show: 2020 Range Rover Evoque

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!

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How to Calibrate Toyota Bird’s Eye View Camera

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.

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I-CAR 360: 2018 Nissan LEAF Video Now Available

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 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 and their functions, as well as calibration requirements.

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