As experts in collision repair, we wanted to share some valuable information with you about the importance of OEM procedures. Repairify and AirPro Diagnostics recently shared with Repairer Driven News that not following these procedures could potentially result in injuries and fatalities in repaired vehicles involved in another crash. Here is a direct link to the original article.
So, what are the key takeaways from this article?
First, it’s critical to return a vehicle to its “as-designed state” after it has been repaired. This means following the OEM processes and procedures, including a post-scan and comprehensive test drive, to ensure that all systems are operating as intended. Chris Chesney, VP of Repairify Training and Development, explains that failure to properly calibrate a sensor that should be calibrated presents a risk to the motorist by allowing them to drive a vehicle that may not react as designed when called upon.
Second, many “faulty repairs” or missed operations could cause some safety systems to be inactive or inaccurate. This could lead to distracting the motorist or causing them to panic, creating risk for themselves and others. As Michael Quinn, AirPro President, states, having a brand specialist involved in repairs is “critical in these highly sophisticated vehicles.”
Third, using replacement bumper covers with metallic labels can cause a good sensor to view vehicles in a wider, narrower, or skewed manner, which could give the motorist a false sense of security. Additionally, cameras and radar systems must be repaired properly, or the calibration may be off, causing a malfunction in the operation of the active lane keep assist system.
To back up this valuable information, the article shares a statement agreed to in 2019 by OEMs who are members of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of Global Automakers, now known as the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI). The statement reads: “Failure to follow OEM repair procedures in the course of a post-collision repair should be considered an unauthorized modification of a vehicle and its systems, introducing the potential for bodily injury and death to any future drivers and occupants of the vehicle, as well as occupants in other motor vehicles on the roadway.”
The article also covers some voluntary commitments already received by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in response to the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and a Call to Action campaign launched by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Some of the resources mentioned include 3M, AAA, American Honda Co., Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), Lucid, and several others.
The Importance of OEM Procedures
As experts in the collision industry, our best advice is to always follow OEM repair procedures to ensure the safety of the motorist and others on the road. Don’t take shortcuts and always make sure to properly calibrate sensors and repair all systems as intended.
To help answer any additional questions you may have, we’ve compiled a quick FAQ below:
FAQ
Q: What are OEM repair procedures?
A: OEM repair procedures are specific instructions from the manufacturer of a vehicle for how to properly repair the vehicle after a collision. These procedures are designed to ensure the vehicle is returned to its “as-designed state” and all systems are operating as intended.
Q: What is a post-scan?
A: A post-scan is a diagnostic scan that is performed after a repair has been made to ensure that all systems are operating as intended. This is an important step in following OEM repair procedures.
Q: Why is it important to follow OEM repair procedures?
A: Following OEM repair procedures is important because it ensures the safety of the motorist and others on the road. Failure to follow these procedures could potentially result in injuries and fatalities in repaired vehicles involved in another crash.
Q: What are some examples of faulty repairs?
A: Faulty repairs could include not properly calibrating a sensor that should be calibrated, installing used/unlocked restraint control module, improperly repairing camera and radar systems, and using a replacement bumper cover with a metallic label that could cause a good sensor to view vehicles in a wider, narrower, or skewed manner.
Q: What is the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS)?
A: The NRSS is a concrete set of actions the USDOT has committed to that adopts a five-pronged “Safe System Approach” to reduce roadway fatalities. The approach includes safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, and post-crash care.
We hope you found this information helpful, and remember to always follow OEM repair procedures to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road! Contact us here with any questions you might have.
