Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Back-To-Basics: Vehicle Protection When Welding

Back-To-Basics: Vehicle Protection When Welding

Posted on 18 March 2019 | Share: | Print Print

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to replacing panels and other body components, there are a few precautions to take in order to protect the vehicle while welding.

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them when welding:

  • Be careful of burning painted surfaces, glass, moldings, and interior. Remove all moldings in the area to be welded and remove glass if possible. If unable to remove glass, make sure it is covered with a spark resistant material. Also cover painted surfaces and exposed interior to prevent a fire.
  • Avoid welding near NVH and other foams/sealers. Remove foams, sealers, adhesives, and inserts from the welding area. Products like those previously listed are highly flammable and can ignite rapidly and travel to other parts of the vehicle.
  • Avoid welding near electrical systems or with the battery connected. Make sure the battery is disconnected and all systems are shut down before the welding process. Electric current flowing through from the welder can damage or short circuit electrical components. Also make sure to remove any modules, batteries, sensors, wires and other electronic components from the welding area. This distance from the welding area that objects must be removed is typically specified by the OEM but is typically anything within 300 mm (12").
  • Welding On A Hybrid Or Electric Vehicle

Follow vehicle maker recommendations and SOPs to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Backup Batteries and Main Battery Disconnect
Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Aluminum GMA Welding Theory

Course Introduction to Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding

Course Steel GMA Welding Theory

Course Vehicle Protection During the Repair Process

Course Welding Training and Certification

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    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...

  • I-CAR RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Nissan/INFINITI Outer Uniside Sectioning - Cut Line Clarification Wednesday, 3 April 2024

    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. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.
Nissan Is there a wiring repair procedure for the airbag connector?

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged crush boxes?