Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Back-To-Basics: Comparative Measuring

Back-To-Basics: Comparative Measuring

Posted on 22 April 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 comparative measuring, there are a few things to remember.

Vehicles are typically designed to be symmetrical side-to-side. Minor damage to a side of a vehicle may not appear different from the other side by looking at it. Tools like tram gauges and three-dimensional measuring equipment allow a technician to measure certain points on a vehicle and compare those points to the undamaged portion of the vehicle. For example, these points could be access holes in a frame, bolt holes, a pinchweld flange, etc. Some point-to-point measurements can be found in the vehicle-specific body repair manual but are usually limited to closure panel openings and the underbody.

Comparative measurements can also be an invaluable tool for when measurements are not readily available from the OEM or an equipment manufacturer. However, it is important to note, when making comparative measurements you have to understand that a few points on the vehicle may not be the same side-to-side. When this occurs, there may be additional measurements required to verify if there is damage at the measuring point, or just an asymmetrical point on the vehicle.

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Electronic Measuring Systems

Course Full-Frame Measuring, Anchoring, and Pulling

Course Introduction to Three-Dimensional Measuring

Course Point-to-Point Measuring Tools

Course Unibody Measuring, Anchoring, and Pulling

  • One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Genesis Friday, 25 October 2024

    What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Toyota/Lexus Sectioning Clarification Thursday, 24 October 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. A common question when it comes to...

  • Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Jaguar Land Rover Tuesday, 22 October 2024

    Parking sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require...

  • I-CAR At SEMA 2024 Friday, 18 October 2024

    Attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this year? Well, I-CAR will be providing many different opportunities to connect with you at this year’s show.

  • Non-SRS Wiring Repair: BMW/Mini Thursday, 17 October 2024

    What is a non-SRS wiring repair? It is the repairing of an electrical component that is not part of the supplemental restraints system circuit (usually identified by yellow wire looms). As...

  • Paint Maker ADAS Radar Optimized Color Resources: BASF Wednesday, 16 October 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. We know that paint film thickness can affect the performance of ADAS radars, but...

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: Steering Column Inspection After a Collision - Coming Soon Friday, 11 October 2024

    I-CAR is having a discussion on steering column inspection after a collision.

  • Repairer Driven News: BMW Adds Structural Steel Parts To Restricted List Thursday, 10 October 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting BMW adding structural steel parts to their restricted list.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 3 Wednesday, 9 October 2024

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

  • Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Rivian Friday, 4 October 2024

    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)...

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?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
2014 Jeep CherokeeIs there a procedure available for resetting the active headrestt?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
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.

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 the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
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?