WELCOME AUGUST 2016 | Collision Repair | 3 Collision repair is not an isolated industry By Erica Schueller, Editor, PTEN and Professional Distributor Magazines The collision repair segment is much more involved than you might think E’RE ALL IN THE COLLISION business,” says Tim Morgan, managing director of collision repair equipment company Spanesi Americas. He notes that this phrase continues to gain momentum in the vehicle repair market, as the shift continues toward an increasingly sensor-driven vehicle. At this year’s ETI ToolTech Conference, a particular focus was placed on collision repair. Two items brought up frequently were: the need for proper training and proper tooling in body shops, due to the increasingly complex vehicle systems showing up for repairs. Take the late-model Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class lines, for example. Each vehicle has more than 25 sensors on the front of the vehicle alone, which account for a number of advanced driver assistance systems. In the event of even a minor impact collision, several of these sensors can shift , disconnect or be destroyed. Previously, when a vehicle showed up at a collision repair shop, a visual inspection usually provided enough information to determine an estimated repair cost. Now, the industry has begun to encourage a standardized approach for vehicles coming into the shop, beginning and ending with a scan of the vehicle. Th is is the only way to get a true understanding of the necessary work involved for the repair (read Collision Repair Diagnostics page 18). A shift in the industry will continue, and collaboration with OEs and tool manufacturers is necessary to provide safety and accurate diagnosis for newer vehicles, since 70 percent of repairs are done via an aft ermarket collision repair facility. TRENDS Also at ETI ToolTech 2016, a number of collision repair trends were discussed, including: • Th e shift in understanding the body shop repair process, as each shop will require some type of mechanical repair due to a vehicle’s computer-driven components. • Vehicles are totaling for less severe accidents due to the value and placement of sensors. Even for minor collisions, estimates for damage and repair will increase signifi cantly. • An adaptation to changes in vehicle technology regarding body make-up and mixed materials that must be replaced instead of repaired (e.g. steel structure with aluminum). Turn to page 4 for more on this subject. • No longer are body shops just welding because of the materials on newer vehicles. Processes now include glues, rivets and/or screws. Standard methods for collision repair, like painting and surface preparation, will continue (see page 7), as will considerations of health and safety for workers on the job (see page 11). As this shift continues toward a more technologically advanced vehicle, what does this mean for collision repair? Currently, for independent repair and service shops throughout the U.S. that focus on mechanical work, these businesses tend to focus on specifi c makes and models of vehicles. Will the shift continue on the collision repair side, with shops specializing in certain makes/models or collision diagnosis? Th is special supplement is intended to provide current information and insight into the vehicle collision repair industry. It covers cutting edge body shop tools and equipment, contributions from I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), proper surface preparation for painting and best practices for preventing illnesses and injuries to collision repair workers. Erica Schueller is the editor PTEN (Professional Tool & Equipments News) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2007. 4 The impact of aluminum When aluminum-bodied vehicles are damaged, care must be taken to avoid contamination 7 Proper surface preparation for painting is essential Preparation affects how primers and paints adhere to surfaces 11 Guide to health and safety in the vehicle collision repair industry Best practices for preventing illnesses and injuries 16 What’s new in heavy duty collision repair? Four key factors driving collision repair evolution 18 How to choose the best tools for collision repair diagnostics As technological advancements continue with vehicles, diagnostic tools become increasingly necessary during the collision repair process “W «
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