How Do Ask I-CAR and DEG Help the Industry?

The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support “Ask I-CAR” feature and the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) help the industry with common issues but in different ways. Let's take a look at what each can do for you.

The simple answer is Ask I-CAR can help you with technical issues while DEG can help you with estimating system issues.

How is help provided?

Ask I-CAR has a searchable Ask I-CAR database of previous answered questions. You can also submit a new Ask I-CAR question that is not found in the database.

DEG also has a searchable DEG database of previous answered questions. You can also submit a new DEG question that is not found in the database.

What kind of questions will Ask I-CAR answer?

Ask I-CAR will help with questions on vehicle maker position statements, an I-CAR position statement, or if a collision repair procedure (sectioning for example) is available. Ask I-CAR, and other features available on the RTS Portal, can help minimize the time you spend looking for collision repair information. And, if a procedure does exist but you still have questions, we can escalate your question to the correct person at a vehicle maker or the product maker through our I-CAR Linking Pin mechanism.

What kind of questions will DEG answer?

DEG will answer questions on included and not-included labor operations, missing labor times for a certain procedure, and missing information in the estimating system. Questions can be asked under the three estimating systems: CCC, Mitchell, and AudaExplore. DEG will research your question and send your request to the appropriate information provider. Responses may be provided as an answer or an update to the estimating system from the information provider.

Ask I-CAR and DEG also work together. Recently, a question was submitted to DEG about an unprimed bumper cover from a specific vehicle maker. DEG needed to know which bumper covers were unprimed, so they reached out to the Ask I-CAR team. Ask I-CAR did some research and found a bulletin from the vehicle maker that specified which bumpers were unprimed, and for which model years. Ask I-CAR was able to forward this information on to DEG, which was able to pass this documentation on to the information provider.


Related I-CAR Courses

  • 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...