Back-To-Basics: Indirect Damage

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

When writing a repair plan, there are the easy-to-identify items like a damaged fender or a broken grille. However, as the force of the collision moves through the vehicle, damage often occurs to other areas of the vehicle or to particular components that are not directly part of the collision, but are affected nonetheless. This indirect damage is sometimes overlooked due to where it is located on the vehicle or on the specific part.

We saw a recent example of this where an impact to the front bumper caused a bumper-to-headlamp fastener to pierce the top of the headlamp assembly. This hole was not visible unless the headlamp was removed. In this instance, headlight removal was not necessary to replace the bumper cover, so this hole went unnoticed. Unfortunately, this hole caused issues with water entering the headlamp.

Looking for indirect damage, and thoroughly inspecting parts for hidden damage, will help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Subaru - UPDATE Wednesday, 29 January 2025

    Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion....

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Rivian Monday, 27 January 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that left untreated...

  • Honda Has Released The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV Body Repair News Friday, 24 January 2025

    Honda has released a Body Repair News bulletin for the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle). This document provides at-a-glance relevant information for this new model.

  • Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE Wednesday, 22 January 2025

    Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion....

  • Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Hyundai Friday, 17 January 2025

    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)...

  • Rivian Glass Replacement Requirements Thursday, 16 January 2025

    The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and...

  • Rivian Position Statement: Paintless Dent Repair Friday, 10 January 2025

    Rivian has released a position statement on paintless dent repair (PDR).

  • Your 2024 Favorites: Top 20 Sectioning and Partial Part Vehicles Thursday, 9 January 2025

    Now that the new year is underway, let’s take a look at your 2024 favorite vehicles in the OEM Partial Part Replacement Search.

  • Your 2024 Favorites: Top Articles Wednesday, 8 January 2025

    As 2025 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • Rivian Position Statement: Reconditioned Wheels Friday, 3 January 2025

    The wheels on the vehicle are damaged, what type of repairs can be done, if any? And is it okay to use a reconditioned wheel? Let’s see what Rivian has to say.