I-CAR has released a new set of guidelines for structural sectioning. Recent advancements in vehicle structure – driven by manufacturers looking for lighter, more crash-resistant designs – dictated the change. Advancements include the widespread use of advanced high-strength steels (AHHS) unsuited for sectioning because of their vulnerability to heat and structural design complexities increasingly specific to individual manufacturers. The research for I-CAR’s previous sectioning guidelines was conducted more than 20 years ago.

I-CAR includes a sectioning matrix on its Web site (www.i-car.com/partialreplacement) with direct links to available OEM web sites where the procedures can be found. When the manufacturer provides no recommendations, determining how the vehicle should be repaired becomes a business decision between the repairer, customer and insurer, I-CAR says.