What do OEM Collision Repairs Mean for Your Body Shop?

By Ross Whiteley | April 22, 2021

You already understand how Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, information, and repair procedures help ensure safe, accurate repairs. OEMs know their vehicles inside and out and spend thousands of hours developing & documenting vehicle procedures.

Simply put, OEM for automotive collision repairs is the safest and most reliable way to get vehicles back to their original condition. But getting your hands on OEM repair information quickly and economically can be as much of a challenge as keeping up with the advancements in vehicle technology.

Imagine having a comprehensive OEM resource in your body shop that provides the most up-to-date collision repair procedures for nearly any vehicle you’ll see in your bays. No matter how advanced or unfamiliar the repair, the right software can help your shop confidently tackle a broad range of OEM repairs.

Then imagine that same resource providing real-world mechanical information, the latest updates, detailed repair procedures, and even OEM service manuals. SUN® Collision Repair Information can make all that a reality for an ROI that will help your body shop prosper today and in the future.

OEM Repair Procedures Will Continue to Become More Complex

Here are just some of the advancements in the auto industry that affect collision repair procedures today and for years to come:

Modern Materials

While the use of steel is still very much a part of modern vehicle manufacturing, body shops have likely performed collision repair on aluminum and hybrid components. These modern materials continue to evolve and already include alloys, composites, and even carbon fiber. The trend of using lightweight, technically advanced materials in vehicles means many body shops can find themselves unprepared to perform accurate and safe OEM repairs.

Carbon fiber, for example, weighs about half as much as steel and a third less than aluminum, making it an important component of weight reduction in vehicles. But that lightweight construction does present challenges for body shops. Carbon fiber can splinter even in a mild collision and can’t be repaired, so the only repair solution is an OEM replacement part.

Body and Frame

Aluminum and aluminum alloys are already widely used in vehicle manufacturing for body frames, crossbeams, doors, hoods, and more. OEMs are also incorporating high-strength low-alloy steel, ultra-high-strength steel, and other advanced materials that require the most up-to-date information and tools for collision repair.

ADAS

So many modern vehicles are built with ADAS and other advanced technology. These intricate networks of components and wiring often interconnect with everything from bumpers to mirrors, so even a small fender bender could require extensive repairs.

ADAS cameras and sensors in bumpers help drivers back up, avoid collisions, stay in their lane, and more. Even windshields get in on the ADAS repair procedures. Glass repair can require ADAS calibration for sensors, cameras, and other components.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Electric vehicles are fast becoming more and more commonplace and there are no signs of the trend slowing down. With an expected increase in sales of 70% in 2021, vehicle manufacturers are investing in innovations for building electric and hybrid models. To prepare your body shop for the increasing number of these vehicles, the most up-to-date OEM information is critical.

Because today’s vehicles are becoming more and more complex, it means the same for repairing them. From up-to-date OEM information to detailed collision repair procedures, it’s going to take advanced technology to keep up with advanced technology.

OEM Repair Information Availability

As collision repair professionals, we know why vehicle manufacturers recommend OEM parts and why other parties recommend aftermarket parts. While the fast-paced advancements in modern vehicle technology may make it even more difficult to keep up with OEM information, collision repair software can help level the playing field.

Not every vehicle that comes into your shop will be a late model technological wonder, and getting OEM parts may be difficult for these older vehicles. The age of vehicles on the road is on the rise. In 2019, the average age of trucks and cars in the US was 11.8 years. Whether this prevalence of aging vehicles is due to better manufacturing, the economy, or other factors, your body shop is likely to see plenty of older vehicles come into your bays for collision repair.

Whether it’s a 2021 Ford Truck or a 1991 Chevy Impala that shows up in your bays, collision repair software is the most up-to-date resource for finding OEM information, including detailed diagnostics, specifications, and repair procedures.

Seven Ways Collision Repiar Software Simplifies OEM Repairs

Inside and out, from bumper to bumper, collision repair software gives you the consistently updated information you need to stay ahead of the curve. From complete OEM information and updates to our user-friendly search engine, SUN has you covered with the features every body shop should be using.

1. ADAS Diagnosis and Calibration

If you want to control your cycle times when you’re working on modern vehicles with ADAS, you need the most comprehensive OEM repair information available. Collision repair software gives you the complete picture for ADAS diagnostics, testing, and repairs.

You’ll find OEM information including detailed ADAS features, an overview of related components, and the required equipment and tools. You get a clear, intuitive presentation of complete ADAS repair and calibration information from a single, convenient resource.

2. Common Repair Procedures

SUN Collision saves you time and money with the most common repairs right from the start. You’ll find up-to-date diagnostics and testing for the most common procedures based on code, symptom, component, and mileage. And we keep up with vehicle innovations that affect collision repairs so your body shop doesn’t have to. That means on-demand, up-to-date OEM information that helps your body shop be more productive.

3. Body and Frame Work

We give you immediate access to updated OEM body and frame information so you can diagnose the damage and choose the best repair or replacement option fast. From detailed sectioning procedures and structural repairs to diagnostics to detect damage to sensors and switches, you’ll have a big picture view for complete repairs.

4. Materials Handling

With our intuitive search features, you can quickly find information for working with advanced adhesives, high-strength steels, composite materials, plastics, and more. The materials data for a selected vehicle is a click away, and we present the information in a clear and user-friendly format. No matter which material handling challenges your body shop encounters, SUN has your back with the latest OEM information.

5. Paint and Finish Procedures

Whether you’re finishing up a collision procedure on a car from the 2000s or one that just rolled off the dealer’s lot, we give you the paint and finish data to complete the job right. You’ll have easy access to detailed OEM information like surface prep, application processes, and finishing methods. From paint materials to corrosion protection, SUN helps you put the perfect finishing touch on all your collision repair jobs.

6. Latest TSBs and recalls

OEM information can be subject to change, so OEMs try to keep repair professionals up to date with the latest TSBs, recalls, and other updates. We make finding those updates about as easy as it could be. Just look up a particular vehicle and there they are — the most current updates are right where you need them, when you need them.

SUN continuously uploads vehicle-specific information, often within two weeks of the OEM publishing date. Original OEM information and the latest updates mean your body shop has the most comprehensive and accurate data for performing accurate and safe collision procedures.

7. Interactive Wiring Diagrams

Cars and trucks have always included plenty of wiring, but modern vehicles can have over 5,000 feet of wiring in them! If the thought of tracking down almost a mile of wiring during a collision procedure sounds like a nightmare, we’re with you. That’s why we redefined electrical diagnostics with our patent-pending interactive features.

When you integrate collision repair software into your repair routine, your shop will be ready to handle repairs on traditional vehicles, as well as the newer electric and hybrid models. SUN Collision’s wiring diagrams let you navigate diagrams with integrated access to component information without a secondary lookup. We link components to the diagrams, so it’s easy to find information on connector views, component location, replacement procedures, and testing.

When you choose SUN, you not only get the latest OEM repair and diagnostic information, you also get our in-depth support and training to get your new shop tool up and running quickly. From installation and user support to our included 1-on-1 live training, you don’t have to be computer savvy to put SUN technology to work in your body shop.

Get your free demo to see SUN Collision in action and learn more about how on-demand OEM information can make your body shop more productive and more profitable. Want to find out more right now? Call us at 877-840-1973 and we’ll show you how easy-to-use technology can help grow your business.