On the shop floor

Courtesy of Reliable Automotive Equipment
Companies like AVL offer devices that guide repair professionals through essential steps to verify that a vehicle is properly discharged and safe to undergo repairs.
On the shop floor

Ensure safety and efficiency in EV repair

Oct. 5, 2023
Along with being equipped with innovative tools, it's essential for repairers to emphasize proper training in using safety equipment.
Courtesy of I-CAR
Fixture anchoring and pulling
On the shop floor

Navigating structural collision repair complexity

Oct. 4, 2023
From pulling considerations to specialization, today’s vehicles require careful planning before repairs begin.
Courtesy of 3M
3 M Clean Shop1
On the shop floor

Does body work have to be dirty work?

Oct. 3, 2023
A clean shop environment may help drive improved performance and customer satisfaction.
AdobeStock_481216622
Painter in paint booth
Paint & Refinish

Eliminate the bottleneck

Sept. 28, 2023
Used properly, the paint booth can be a highly efficient resource designed to drive production and profit.
© Ilshat Bikmiev | Dreamstime.com
MIG/MAG welding rear body panel
On the shop floor

The importance of procedures and repair statements

Sept. 26, 2023
Know how to search and understand these guidelines before you dive into the repair.
Bosch ADAS calibration in Accelerated Vehicle Technology
ADAS/Calibration/Programming

The business of ADAS

Aug. 8, 2023
Unlike collision repair, performance benchmarks and guidance are not readily available for the ADAS business. Darrell Amberson shares some wisdom he's gleaned after starting a...
Courtesy of 3M
Block-sanding a panel
Paint & Refinish

What is feather, prime, and block?

Aug. 8, 2023
This refinish operation is required to restore a repaired panel to a new undamaged condition. Documentation and education are key to overcome any contention with third party payers...
Correcting x, y, and z calibration
ADAS/Calibration/Programming

How alignment angles affect ADAS

Aug. 7, 2023
Just one degree of misalignment can cause the average-sized vehicle with lane departure warning to leave its lane within 180 feet.
Courtesy of BASF
Painting a fender in a spray booth
Paint & Refinish

5 steps to fending off flaws

Aug. 3, 2023
Use this expert advice for a perfect paint job every time.
Matt Hudson
3 64a8288db1692
On the shop floor

Inside 3M's new Skills Development Center

July 27, 2023
The company hopes the facility will become a hub for professional repairer and educator training.
Courtesy of Fuzarc
Remote training solutions are available, although many technicians prefer a hands-on approach.
On the shop floor

The importance of welding quality control

June 6, 2023
Some uncomfortable conversations and a few extra steps can help protect against an unsafe vehicle leaving the shop.
Dreamstime
Technician with tablet PC
ADAS/Calibration/Programming

The choices we make: Scan tool deals versus embedded technology for collision shop success

June 5, 2023
The equipment needed to properly and safely repair today’s cars and light trucks needs to be more than a glorified 'code-reader.'
Courtesy of Meguiar's
The DA polisher is a much more forgiving tool than the rotary. It takes much less time to become proficient enough to get excellent results the majority of the time.
Paint & Refinish

The pros and cons of DA polishing

May 29, 2023
A short learning curve, high work speed, and low risk of paint damage are highlights of this technology.
Shutterstock-Sergi Chernov
Orange labeling of high voltage cables and components can be located in any part of an electric vehicle, from the high voltage battery pack to the motor/generator.
Body Shop & Repair

Disabling electric vehicles prior to collision repairs

April 5, 2023
Even an experienced collision tech should seek out training to accomplish safe and effective R&R on a battery electric or hybrid electric vehicle.