![]() ![]() The classifications of mild-strength steel (MSS), high-strength steel (HSS) and ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) are still in use, but many automakers are using metric classifications. Estimators/adjusters and repair technicians all need to be on the same page regarding the OEM requirements. Determining what to repair versus what to replace needs to be a priority in the disassembly process and will be a key factor in increasing or maintaining production in any shop. Keep in mind that making the correct repair decision does not just apply to the technician working on the vehicle but also estimators and adjusters. I’m going to help you understand why a change in repair procedures will be needed, and why you will need to access the OEM repair information to make a correct decision on how to repair. The new steels being used in vehicle construction will be the focus of this article. In many smaller cars, the increasing use of high-strength steels, in conjunction with aluminum, has also produced many changes in repair procedures. ![]() And the aluminum repair processes will keep increasing in the collision industry as the aluminum increases in use. The use of aluminum in vehicle construction is predicted to increase in the future, primarily due to the weight savings, especially in larger vehicles. Other elements of repair have been changing, too. Electronics is a major factor in repairs today and will also be in the future. We’ve had to increase our knowledge of electric components and computers, and an increase in hybrid fuels in combination with electric motors will require us to further our knowledge even more. Much of the focus of change lately has been on “techie” electronics such as ADAS and computers and sensors. We don’t have the luxury of guessing or ignoring what’s asked of us. We may not understand or even like the change we’re being asked to make, but there is a reason. No matter what we’re asked to do, the best way to approach change is with an open mind. Some changes are easy, and some changes are hard. Keeping up with these changes can be difficult. We must realize that the way we repair vehicles today and the way we’ll repair vehicles in the future will keep changing. C hanges have been happening in our repair industry at an incredible pace. ![]()
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