Collision repair knowledge base
Plain-English summaries of OEM position statements, I-CAR procedures and the rulings behind them — each one linked back to the document it came from.
497 documents
- Repairers Realm: CCC Mobile Jumpstart - Now Available
I-CAR · July 30, 2025
This article highlights an episode of I-CAR's Repairers Realm featuring CCC Intelligent Solutions' Mobile Jumpstart app. The app utilizes artificial intelligence to generate preliminary exterior estimates from vehicle photos, allowing shops to streamline the initial estimating process and focus…
- Great Designs in Steel 2025 Presentations: A Closer Look At Body Structure Efficiency On D-Segment Crossover Architecture
I-CAR · July 24, 2025
This article highlights a Great Designs in Steel 2025 presentation by Senior Body Engineer Jinhui Wang on body structure efficiency for GM's D-segment crossover architecture. It covers the vehicle overview, material utilization, noise and vibration control, and safety strategies for the 2025…
- Part Replacement Without A Procedure
I-CAR · July 23, 2025
This article addresses the common industry challenge of replacing service parts when no specific OEM replacement procedure exists. It notes that some vehicle makers provide general documents outlining panel removal, preparation, and installation to cover these information gaps, and provides a…
- Ford/Lincoln Part Replacement Without A Procedure
I-CAR · July 23, 2025
This document outlines Ford and Lincoln guidelines for replacing service parts when no specific repair procedure exists. It establishes that technicians must adhere to official workshop manuals and position statements, and when no procedure is available, structural repairs must be made at…
- App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Mazda
I-CAR · July 18, 2025
This article outlines the necessity of placing Mazda vehicles equipped with Mazda Connected Services into 'connected services disable mode' or 'connected vehicle maintenance mode' prior to performing repairs. This prevents customers from receiving erroneous vehicle status alerts or performing…
- Great Designs In Steel 2025 Presentations: Rivian R1 Body Structure Evolution And Repairability
I-CAR · July 17, 2025
This article highlights the Rivian R1 Body Structure Evolution and Repairability presentation from Great Designs In Steel (GDIS) 2025. It covers body structure changes, material differences, frame dimensional changes, and Rivian's Collision Repair Development process for creating approved repair…
- Great Designs In Steel 2025 Presentations Release
I-CAR · July 17, 2025
The Great Designs In Steel (GDIS) 2025 presentations have been released, covering topics such as body-in-white structures, reinforcement consolidation with higher-strength steel, EV battery side structures, crash management, and the use of AI in material selection. These presentations, delivered…
- Digital Key Considerations: General Motors
I-CAR · July 8, 2025
This article outlines General Motors' digital key and key card systems, which rely on UHF transceivers located in collision-prone areas like bumpers and entry points. It establishes that a Digital Key Sensor Position Learn procedure is mandatory whenever any digital key system component is replaced.
- App-Based Connected Services Considerations: General Motors
I-CAR · July 8, 2025
This article outlines safety and repair considerations for General Motors vehicles equipped with app-based connected services like OnStar. It highlights a critical safety precaution to disable remote start features by keeping the hood fully open or on its secondary latch when working in the…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Quick Stick Dent Removal - Now Available
I-CAR · July 2, 2025
This article introduces an I-CAR Repairers Realm episode focusing on KECO's L2E glue pull repair (GPR) system, specifically highlighting lateral tension dent removal and the 'Quick Stick' technique. It covers proper tool selection, striking techniques, and panel prep after paint removal to…
- 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results
I-CAR · June 30, 2025
This article announces the winners of the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference for the Collision Repair Technology, Collision Damage Appraisal, and Automotive Refinishing Technology competitions. It highlights I-CAR's involvement in judging the events and encourages industry…
- Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning
I-CAR · June 27, 2025
This document outlines Ford/Lincoln guidelines for sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement on specific late-model vehicles, including the F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Ranger, and Navigator. It establishes that while sectioning is generally permitted at any point to meet repair requirements,…
- Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging
I-CAR · June 26, 2025
This article highlights the importance of panel backside refinishing and edging/jambing to restore a vehicle's pre-accident appearance and ensure complete paint coverage. It emphasizes that these are separate tasks that should typically be performed before new or repaired parts are installed,…
- Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
I-CAR · June 23, 2025
Hyundai Motor America requires both a pre-repair scan and a post-repair scan on all vehicles involved in a collision to ensure safe, accurate repairs and proper system communication. These scans are mandatory regardless of whether any warning lights or malfunction indicator lights are…
- Digital Key Considerations
I-CAR · June 17, 2025
This article introduces the technology behind digital keys, which utilize smartphone, smartwatch, or specialized credit card connections via NFC or Bluetooth to replace or supplement traditional physical key fobs. It highlights the growing trend of vehicle makers reducing physical keys in favor…
- App-Based Connected Services Considerations
I-CAR · June 17, 2025
This article highlights the repair considerations surrounding app-based connected vehicle services, which can trigger automatic notifications to owners regarding vehicle movement, battery levels, and airbag status during repairs. It emphasizes the necessity of identifying and activating the…
- Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern
I-CAR · June 11, 2025
This article outlines the fundamental characteristics of symmetrical, directional, asymmetrical, and asymmetrical-directional tire tread patterns. It explains how these patterns dictate specific mounting orientations, rotation directions, and vehicle placement limitations that must be followed…
- Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE
I-CAR · June 10, 2025
This article outlines Ford and Lincoln's guidelines for restoring corrosion protection, which is destroyed during collision repairs. It directs technicians to Section 501-25 of the vehicle-specific Workshop Manual (WSM) for approved materials and application procedures regarding seam sealers,…
- Rivian Restraints Wiring
I-CAR · June 5, 2025
Rivian allows supplemental restraints system (SRS) wiring repairs only to a limited degree, specifically permitting squib (pigtail) replacements for harnesses connecting to airbags, airbag sensors, seatbelt pretensioners, and pyrotechnic HV disconnection switches. Repairs must be performed using…
- Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: Rivian
I-CAR · June 5, 2025
This article outlines Rivian's guidelines for non-SRS wiring repairs, detailing which types of damage can be repaired and which require complete harness replacement. It directs technicians to Rivian's specific 'Harness Repair Guidelines' document located under the Low Voltage Electrical service…
- High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Mazda
I-CAR · June 4, 2025
This article outlines Mazda's specific guidelines for handling and storing high-voltage (HV) batteries and components during collision repairs. It directs technicians to vehicle-specific service manuals and free online disposal manuals for critical safety procedures, PPE requirements, and…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Lateral Tension Dent Removal - Now Available
I-CAR · May 28, 2025
This article introduces an I-CAR Repairers Realm episode featuring KECO experts demonstrating lateral tension dent removal using the L2E glue pull repair (GPR) system and K-power tool. The demonstration covers proper tool selection, surface preparation, tab setup, and striking techniques to…
- I-CAR Just In Time: Proper Tire Mounting
I-CAR · May 27, 2025
This I-CAR Just In Time article and video highlight the importance of proper tire mounting, specifically focusing on ensuring that asymmetrical tires are mounted with the correct sidewall facing outward.
- Step-By-Step: Submitting ALLDATA Library Request
I-CAR · May 23, 2025
This article provides a step-by-step guide for collision repair technicians to submit a library request through ALLDATA. Submitting a request ensures that technicians receive the most current, up-to-date repair information directly from the vehicle manufacturer, even if the information appears…
- Back-To-Basics: Weldable Seam Sealer
I-CAR · May 22, 2025
This article explains the purpose and application of weldable seam sealers, which provide corrosion protection between panel flanges during squeeze-type resistance spot welding (STRSW). It highlights that only specific OEMs require this method, it does not replace 2-part weld bonding adhesives,…
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