Knowledge is king for next-generation vehicle estimating

Jan. 1, 2020
Federal safety mandates for electronic stability control and consumer demand for safety and fuel efficiency will result in cars made of high-tech specialty metals and construction techniques with advanced electronics.
The next generation of automobiles creates a new set of challenges for estimators and collision repairers. New federal safety mandates for all passenger vehicles for electronic stability control (ESC), combined with consumer demand for more fuel efficiency and safety, mean even the lowest-priced economy cars incorporate high-tech specialty metals and construction techniques with advanced electronics.

Knowledge is king, and just like any other profession, estimating requires experience, training and current information. Not knowing something is no excuse if a car your shop repairs causes injury, which is why vehicle-specific information and continuing education – and lots of it – is critical. Estimators must familiarize themselves with the latest vehicle designs and the proper repair methods for all kinds of materials. It's becoming essential to have the ability to identify where and why OEMs use high-strength steel (HSS), ultra high-strength steel (UHSS), boron steel, hydroformed steel, aluminum or magnesium.

It's also important to recognize new OEM rules governing when you can repair or if you must replace. For example, the bend-versus-kink rule may no longer fit advanced metals. Consider that the 2011 Ford Focus will be 75 percent advanced metal, HSS and UHSS. As you create your estimate, look in your system for substrate identification and discuss with your customer why their car kept them safe in the accident.

Back to the ESC issue. Did you know 95 percent of all 2011 passenger vehicles will be federally required to have ESC systems, with 100-percent compliance required for 2012 passenger models? ESC systems use the sensor input from the four-wheel ABS, steering wheel angle sensor and yaw rate sensor to electronically help prevent the vehicle from rolling over. Add more electronic parts, and every car will be able to park itself like the Lexus LS.

How much do you know about adaptive cruise control, adaptive front lighting, blind spot detection, lane departure warning and cross-traffic alert systems? These features will be available or standard soon on mainstream cars, such as the 2010 Ford Fusion, Hyundai Genesis and Toyota Prius.

As an estimator, how you make repair choices necessitates more investigation, perhaps including a prerepair test drive, when possible, to document any speed-based warning lights on the dash. Adaptive front lighting control, for example, requires a minimum vehicle speed and steering wheel input angle to come to life.

Also, a simple front bumper repair may not be as simple as you think if the car is equipped with adaptive cruise control or precollision braking systems. The sensors may be mounted right behind the bumper or grille and damaged. Wheel alignment and tires will affect the ESC systems and the driveline performance, so it's necessary to document mismatched tires and uneven tire wear.

Even windshield replacement on a car equipped with a lane departure warning system will require the camera to be aimed; and depending on OEM requirements, a calibration test drive will be necessary, too.

Vehicle-specific information is more critical than ever to create a sound repair plan. If you've only been recording the vehicle identification number, you'll need to change your ways when estimating. Look at the car for sensors in bumpers (rear park assist), start the car, and look at the dash warning lights for self-tests. Look for substrate identification, and complete the optional equipment on the vehicle because it will affect more than parts ordering. Labor and repair cycle time can change, based on vehicle options, just like part prices can.

Having the right tools and information is as important when you write the estimate as it is when you repair the car. Think of an estimating system as a tool that's essential to your business, the same way your paint booth and frame rack are vital to a quality repair. The information you need to survive and thrive the next generation of automobiles is at your fingertips. Embrace technology in the car and on your desktop. You'll need to master both to be successful.

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