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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 X @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.
When researching procedures for disabling a high-voltage (HV) vehicle, you may notice that many of the procedures require the use of specific tools. Some of them are OEM-specific tools or scan tools. Often identifying and locating where to purchase these specific tools can be difficult.
The RTS team is researching how to find these tools to make it easier for technicians performing these tasks. As we research the location of these special tools, we are compiling the information in a series of OEM-specific articles.
Automotive coatings continue to be an ever-evolving aspect of vehicles. In the beginning, it was only about corrosion protection and not appearance. Now color has become a major factor in vehicle sales, driving OEMs to offer the latest and greatest finishes to their vehicle line up. One trend is the increasing use of matte finishes.
I-CAR wraps up a three-part series with a discussion with industry experts on plastic repair.
Park assist 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 painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the park assist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what Subaru has to say.
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article highlighting Toyota's list of best practices while repairing EVs.
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 technology increases on vehicles, so does the number of components that utilize electricity. Many of the sensors and modules are becoming smarter and more sensitive. If the wire is too long, the wrong gauge, or spliced in the wrong location, it can cause malfunctions in the components that it’s powering. Many OEMs have different restrictions and guidelines for repairing wiring that does not control SRS components. On the other hand, there are OEMs that don’t allow wiring repairs at all, so full harness replacement is the only option.
Ford has released the second installment of their On Target publication for 2022.
With the release of the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer WS, I-CAR has developed a course that overviews several features on the vehicles as well as repairability.
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 will lead to corrosion and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection, throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let's take a look at what Honda/Acura says.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Some refinishing defects are controllable. However, refinishing defects that are influenced by the environment may not be controlled. Let’s take a look at environmental impacts on both solvent-borne and waterborne refinishing processes, like temperature and humidity.
The nineteenth installment of the I-CAR Collision Reporter - The Customer Issue has been released. This issue focuses on the many customers of the entire inter-industry which I-CAR serves.
I-CAR continues a three-part series with a discussion with industry experts on plastic repair.
Per your requests, we are adding step-by-step instructions on how to access the vehicle maker service repair information to complement our how-to-videos on the OEM Information pages. Easily reference this article by clicking the link under the video on the Genesis OEM Information page.
With the release of the Hummer EV, I-CAR has developed a course that overviews several features on the vehicle as well as repairability.
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...
We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Audi have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"
We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Volkswagen have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"
I-CAR has developed courses that provide an overview of collision repair and electromechanical repair for current VinFast vehicles.
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...
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)...
I-CAR had numerous presentations at the 2025 SEMA show. One of the presentations focuses on Midtronics high-voltage (HV) safety solutions.
I-CAR is having a discussion on FCA/Stellantis corrosion protection updates.
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)...
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 had a discussion on the I-CAR Registered Apprentice Program (RAP).