The Most Common Repairs and Diagnostic Challenges With Advanced Vehicles

By Ross Whiteley | March 6, 2021

Repairing a cracked turn signal, loose bumper, or a buckled hood are obvious after an accident, and professional technicians typically know how to handle these common collision repairs. But there are many components and systems that can be damaged in an accident that are much less obvious or hidden.

From frame repair and alignment to ADAS and advanced electrical system diagnosis and repair, the list of common collision repairs continues to grow. As auto manufacturers race to implement the latest technology, collision repair facilities must put their own technology to work to keep up with common collision damage.

Common Collision Damage and Advanced Vehicles

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash to occur in the United States. In fact, there are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the U.S. each year. Rear-end collisions can cause damage that ranges from minor bumper damage to severe frame damage and worse.

It’s always been a challenge in the collision repair industry to diagnose hidden damage after a collision, but the challenge is even greater today. Even the mildest fender benders can potentially cause hidden damage that can affect a vehicle’s performance and safety. From high-tech materials to advanced electronics and ADAS sensors, there’s a lot to keep up with for even the most common repairs.

Front-End Collision

Like rear-end collisions, front-end accidents can cause hidden damage that requires the latest OEM information for proper diagnosis. The complexity of modern vehicles can make front-end collision procedures more detailed and time-consuming — especially without the latest OEM guidelines.

When you consider ADAS in today’s vehicles and how it integrates with everything from engines to windshields, it’s easy to see how staying up-to-date is critical.

SUN® Collision Repair Information features detailed, interactive wiring diagrams that are constantly updated to give you the latest OEM information. You’ll appreciate the intelligent navigation that provides direct access to complete wiring diagrams and how they connect with specific components. You’ll be able to diagnose electrical issues in less time and get to work more quickly with comprehensive repair procedures.

With the click of a button, we deliver highlighted wiring traces, specifications, component locations, step-by-step testing procedures, connector views, and more. We replace the traditionally complex formats for wiring diagrams with easy-to-understand graphics and integrated links.

Body Shop Challenges with Modern Collision Procedures

Because modern vehicles are more technical than ever, common collision damage isn’t as “common” as it used to be. The modern body shop must understand the interconnectivity of not only the components of a vehicle, but the network of electronics that tie them all together. From alignment and drivetrain issues to damaged sensors, having access to the most up-to-date OEM information will help your body shop meet new technology head-on.

Following OEM guidelines for collision procedures generally means safer repairs, fewer comebacks, and a solid reputation for your body shop. Our vehicle diagnostic software makes finding the essential OEM information you need to handle common and uncommon collision repairs. From common repair guidelines and OEM service manuals to constantly updated data, SUN Collision includes the features your shop needs most today and in the future.

 ADAS

ADAS is no longer “new” but it is one of the largest body shop challenges and the components and sensors associated with ADAS features are quickly becoming critical to some of the most common collision repairs. The technology of ADAS systems and other electrical networks becomes more complex with each model year .

For example, a base model 2010 Chevrolet Malibu had no ADAS and only six airbags. By 2018, the Malibu LT came with forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, rear backup camera, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, pedestrian detection, aluminum hood and suspension components, and ten airbags. The newer models are even more complex.

From automated emergency braking systems and lane-keeping assistance to tire pressure monitors and beyond, ADAS repairs and calibrations can be challenging. ADAS in today’s advanced vehicles include a network of sensors that rely on cameras, ultrasonic waves, and radar — and these safety components are all over vehicles. That means potentially longer cycle times and increased repair costs.

SUN helps you control your cycle times by giving you big picture views for specific ADAS collision procedures so you can work more efficiently. Your body shop will have constantly updated ADAS information and the important documentation to diagnose, repair and recalibrate ADAS features. With a click of our convenient ADAS Quick Link button, you get instant access to all the ADAS diagnostics, repair information, and recalibration guidance from a single location.

Windshields

Windshield replacement and repair is one of the most common collision repairs, but it isn’t what it was only a decade or so ago. Windshields in today’s vehicles are closely tied to ADAS and its components, making traditional windshield replacement procedures obsolete for newer vehicles.

Properly recalibrated windshields help drivers with assisted parking, changing lanes safely, adaptive cruise control, and many other ADAS features. This new windshield technology is becoming a standard component, and as smart windshields become the norm, their capabilities and complexities will increase. Body shops must be prepared.

Cameras and other sensors mounted on or integrated with a vehicle’s windshield can be damaged during even a minor collision and lead to unsafe operation. That means your body shop must have the most current ADAS OEM information available to meet these new demands in collision repair. When you have access to the most up-to-date OEM collision repair procedures, your body shop will know how to diagnose, repair, and recalibrate even the most advanced ADAS features.

Modern Materials

Carbon fiber, innovative steel composites, aluminum, and other modern materials will continue to be more common. The increased durability and safety, as well as lighter weight and visual appeal of advanced materials, is a big plus for drivers but creates new collision repair issues for body shops.

High-tech materials have changed the way collision facilities approach everything from panel replacement to frame work. Your body shop has probably repaired vehicles built with aluminum, carbon fiber, or high-strength steel. Working with aluminum requires a very different approach than working with steel, and knowing whether you should replace or repair the damage is critical.

SUN collision repair software  keeps up with innovations that affect common collision damage so you don’t have to. That means on-demand, up-to-date OEM materials information that helps your body shop stay current and be more productive. You’ll find comprehensive information for composite materials, plastics, aluminum, high-strength steel, adhesives, and more. Plus step-by-step collision procedures to complete the job right.

Mechanical Repairs

The line between mechanical repairs and collision repairs is getting thinner. ADAS technology alone has complicated many common mechanical repairs, making the latest OEM information more important than ever. As technology advances, your body shop can either outsource more or take advantage of today’s technology to handle more complex mechanical repairs in-house.

Outsourcing common collision damage repairs effectively increases cycle times and cuts into potential profits. When you have on-demand access to OEM information and expert knowledge for mechanical repairs, your body shop can keep more work right at home. Our collision repair software delivers the latest OEM information, records of over a billion past mechanical repairs, and more than 45 million real fixes. You can cut down on research time and complete additional collision repairs safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Handle Common Collision Repairs More Confidently
With Up-to-Date OEM Information

To keep up with the fast pace of technology, collision shops need an up-to-date, comprehensive resource for modern materials, safety technology, and traditional collision repairs. SUN Collision helps put technology to work in your body shop to help you keep up with the ever-changing auto industry, so you can focus on growing your business.

As auto manufacturers adopt more technology, collision shops must use innovative solutions that are as advanced as the vehicles they’re working on. When you check out our free demo, we’ll show you how using technology to repair technology is the best way to save time and make your body shop more productive.

If you want to know more right away, we’d be glad to tell you more about what collision repair software can do for you. Give us a call at 877-840-1973.