Right Techs, Right Time: AirPro Diagnostics’ Brand Specialists Change the ADAS Game
By Joel Gausten Several issues often keep independent shop owners up at night, but staying on top of evolving scanning, diagnostic and ADAS calibration technologies doesn’t have to be one of them. As more independent collision repair facilities implement in-house diagnostic and calibration services, many acknowledge that it’s okay not to know everything – and
To Repair or Replace Plastic Parts? That is the Ultimate Question, and Depending on How You Answer May Help Your Bottom Line.
Many OEM trends affect the way we make repairs in the market today—from complicated electronics and accident avoidance systems and sensors to vehicle designs with lighter weight, dissimilar metals, and plastics. Keeping up with all these industry trends, required trainings, ongoing certifications and proper maintenance of standard operating procedures can be challenging for collision repair
NEED TRAINING? BUT CAN’T FIND THE TIME?
PPG’s expanded virtual learning options enable collision shop personnel to learn at their own pace and chosen time. Historically, collision repair training has been conducted offsite at an instructional facility, providing hands-on, interactive learning from instructors and peers. The challenge for owners and managers, however, is finding the opportune time for an employee to take
THE EASY MATCH FOR LOW GLOSS FINISHES
The past few years has seen a significant uptick in the use of matte finishes by OE automotive designers as well as custom painters. Yet anyone charged with making refinish repairs on these finishes knows that not all matte finishes are the same, given the range of low gloss levels used. For example, there’s the
Your Shop’s Least Invasive Repair Method: What is Glue Pull Repair?
Glue Pull Repair—also known as GPR— is the least invasive collision repair technique. It works by gluing specially designed tabs to the exterior panels of a vehicle and pulling the dent out with varying tools. This method of damage removal offers significant advantages over traditional collision repair techniques as it does not remove e-coatings and
THE EVER-GROWING IMPORTANCE OF OEM CERTIFICATION
Rising above the crowd in today’s highly competitive collision repair market is no easy task. While talent, perseverance and hard work are a must, it also helps to have an edge, or some sort of differentiating factor. For many collision centers, that difference is OEM certification. An increasing number of collision repair facilities are recognizing
Adhesives for Toyota Collision Repair
BASIC GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES! The use of adhesive materials in collision repair is expanding. That’s because vehicles have changed how they are manufactured at the factory and how they are repaired in collision repair facilities. Therefore, adhesives play a vital role in both processes. Just as you need to use the right tool for the
Jumpstarting your Body Shop Business
Aligning with an established aftermarket franchise network is a sound option for independent body shops in the current economic uncertainty, says Steve Leal. Many body shops begin with a simple dream – their owner is passionate about cars and loves to see vehicles restored to their old glory. A few years down the line, after
Shop Inventory? Your Account Manager Can Help with That!
Believe it or not, you can save a lot of money by managing your inventory. The first step is to allow your distribution account manager to help you do that. Utilizing usage data, your account manager can help you decide on an inventory management system that is either self-managed or automated. Self-Managed Inventory ProcessA managed
Preaching to the Non-Converted: Shops Speak Out on Proper Scanning, Diagnostics and Calibrations
The days of “see damage, fix damage” are long gone. For decades, it was that simple: See the physical damage, fix the physical damage. Today, you cannot rely on sight alone to diagnose vehicle electronics and ADAS safety systems. If you are in the business of repairing vehicles in 2021, you need to recognize that
Booth Talk’s Jeremy Winters: Optex Premium Body Filler is “Absolutely Amazing”!
YouTube personality Jeremy Winters of Booth Talk was blown away by Evercoat’s Optex Premium Body Filler and Putty. That was the gist of a recent “Tech Tips by Tim” video where Evercoat’s Tim McKinney talked with the social media influencer about Optex and the proper use of 440 Express Micro-Pinhole Eliminator. Jeremy has been using
Pro Spot International Launches New PR-5 Mobile Riveting and Bonding Station
Pro Spot International recently announced their All-New Riveting and Bonding Mobile Workstation. It offers everything the tech needs to complete those riveting and adhesive jobs in one versatile unit. The workstation has 6 heavy duty locking drawers that hold all of the rivet and bonding tools. Most are foam lined and designated for Pro Spot’s