Is Your Body Shop Ready for Advanced Auto Body Materials?
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Advanced auto materials continue to be lighter, more durable and stronger, posing a challenge for collision repair. Body shops will continue to work with many familiar materials such as plastic, steel and fiberglass. However, repair technicians will need advanced collision repair solutions to handle the constant innovations. An overview of common materials is a great start for preparing your body shop for tomorrow’s auto body materials.
Common Truck and Car Materials in Collision Repair
The variety of materials used in an auto body shop continues to increase, from traditional high-strength steel to modern polymers. So do the challenges of performing safe and accurate collision repairs. Here are the materials technicians encounter most, from industry staples to the latest innovations:
Plastics
The minimal cost and lower weight of plastics make the material a long-time staple in the industry. Automotive plastic materials will continue to make up about half of the materials your body shop encounters. From door handles and dashboards to accessories and air vents to bumpers and other exterior components, and much more in between, handling plastics to maintain proper durability for passenger safety requires up-to-date OEM information.
Composites
Carbon fiber and other composites are a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to conventional vehicle materials. Because carbon fiber is stronger and lighter than steel, it is quickly becoming one of the most common auto body materials. OEMs dictate whether a composite part should be repaired or replaced, so it’s essential to have updated collision repair information to determine OEM’s specifications for the particular vehicle and damaged area.
Steel
Steel is one of the most common metals for cars due to its strength. However, innovative materials are changing the traditional steel frame and other components. Steel remains cost-effective, widely available, and easy to work with for collision repair. Brakes, wheels, roofs, engines and other car parts will continue to contain steel in conventional and hybrid materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum is popular in vehicle manufacturing because it weighs significantly less than steel and is rust-resistant. The metal can also be combined with steel for various applications, making aluminum for cars highly appealing. However, the decreased weight and flexibility come at a cost. Aluminum is more expensive than steel and is much harder to repair.
Magnesium
One of the types of metal used for cars since the 70s is magnesium. Magnesium is a popular alternative to carbon fiber, aluminum and steel. Stronger and lighter than steel, magnesium is also easier to repair than aluminum, which is good news for collision facilities.
Glass
Repairing windshields, mirrors and other glass parts is part of nearly every collision procedure. However, advancements in the usage of vehicle glass pose unique challenges for collision repair technicians. ADAS and other sensors are commonly installed in and on vehicle windshields and mirrors. Relying on the latest repair technology ensures safe and accurate repairs for these critical components.
Adhesives
Adhesives aren’t new in collision repair, but the latest innovations can be unfamiliar to repair technicians. Today’s adhesives are far more versatile than traditional ones and deliver more than a bond between two materials. Modern adhesives bond better, provide strength and create a more rigid connection.
Fasteners
Manufacturers rely on the latest technology to develop improved fasteners for modern car materials. Mechanical fasteners will still be necessary, but trends like combining fasteners and adhesives instead of welding are a game-changer. When repair technicians are up-to-date with the latest fastening technology, repairs will be safe and accurate.
Advanced Materials Require OEM Collision Repair Solutions
Body shops need the latest OEM information to keep up with constantly evolving auto body materials. That fast-paced evolution is why we created a comprehensive database of answers for every type of repair. With the most current OEM information, technicians can confidently handle any material.
They’ll find clear overviews and detailed repair information, from plastics to advanced metals used for cars. With the click of a button, you can access a constantly updated database to find materials for cars, repair procedures and more, including:
Body and Frame Materials
Current, on-demand OEM information provides complete procedures for sectioning procedures, structural adhesives, sensors, trim work and structural repairs. It also covers the latest materials and proven fixes for replacement of repair. When your body shop repairs metal composites, high-strength steels, aluminum and other innovative materials, only the latest data will do.
Material Painting and Finishing
Whether you’re working on a carbon fiber body panel or poly bumper, the finished look is how many repairs are judged. That final judgment is why OEM painting and finishing procedures are so critical. When repair technicians have the latest painting and finishing information, your paint booth will be more efficient and the final look will appear like it’s off the dealership lot.
Top Repairs
The latest OEM information is essential for accurate repairs. However, nothing’s like feedback from a pro who’s been there and done that. SUN® Collision Repair Information includes real-world insights from millions of professional repairs. This exclusive content gives techs the inside scoop from diagnostics to completed repairs.
1Search Plus
Collision technicians can access OEM repair information at the vehicle or on a desktop with our user-friendly search engine, 1Search Plus. Techs can find OEM information in familiar categories such as codes, components, symptoms and YMM (year, make, model). Our database is continuously updated and presents information in a logically structured language technicians understand. OEM information, top repairs and other data are integrated for fast-tracking collision repairs.
SUN Collision: Your Partner for Productivity and Profit
Current OEM repair information is essential for accurate and safe repairs on traditional and advanced auto body materials. On-demand repair data gives technicians confidence to handle even the most advanced materials. Investing in advanced collision repair technology can make your repair technicians more productive, and their repairs shine.
Let SUN Collision show you how to stay ahead of the vehicle technology curve for safe and accurate collision repair. Get your free no-obligation demo or talk with a collision repair expert at 877-840-1973 today. Once you discover how OEM collision repair technology helps your bottom line, you’ll wonder why you didn’t invest sooner!
Ross Whiteley, Product Manager for SUN Collision, has held roles of increasing responsibility at Snap-on over the past 13 years. He joined SUN Collision’s sister company, Mitchell 1, as a Product Contact Support Representative in 2010 and was later promoted to Client Services Manager. He began his career after high school as a UPS driver in 1997 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA in BA in Project Management at Purdue University in 2015. In the interim, he held various positions in the auto industry, including roles as Service Consultant at Lithia Chrysler Dodge and Assistant Service Manager at Cascade Auto Center.
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