Collision Center Training

Auto Body, or Collision, repair has come a long way over the last 20 or 30 years.  Until the early 1970s, consumers had no way to distinguish between competent and incompetent technicians.  Since that time, several independent agencies were formed to promote the quality of vehicle repair through testing and certification.  Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and I-Car were established to help the automotive repair industry achieve and maintain a high level of technical training. 

Continuing education in collision repair is essential to keep pace with vehicle technology. New federal mandates for automobile manufacturers require that a roof be able to hold three (3) times the weight of the vehicle. Frames that were formerly constructed to remain rigid to withstand the impact of an accident are now constructed of ultra high strength metals designed to crumple and absorb the impact before it reaches the passenger cabin, essentially creating a safety cage for passengers, like those seen in professional race cars.  These new metals require dramatically different repair techniques than their older, heavier counterparts. 

For example, consider the different repair techniques necessary to safely repair the Center Pillar (see Exhibit) in a 2008 Toyota Corolla versus a 2009 Corolla.  The 2008 Corolla’s pillar has a mild steel reinforcement.  The correct repair technique is to cut and splice the steel reinforcement to restore it to pre-accident condition.

The 2009 Corolla’s pillar has an ultra high strength steel reinforcement.  If it is damaged in an accident, the correct repair technique to maintain the vehicle’s integrity is to replace the entire pillar.  A body shop without the proper training would likely cut and splice the reinforcement as they would with the 2008 Corolla.  If the newer vehicle were to experience significant impact to the same pillar after being improperly repaired, the reinforcement would break without allowing sufficient time for the side air bag to deploy to protect passengers.

At Downeast Auto Body, all of our technicians are ASE and I-Car trained, and they are fully qualified to work on all vehicle makes and models.  In addition, through our association with Downeast Toyota, we also have access to Toyota Certified factory training. In fact, Downeast Auto Body is the only Certified Toyota Collision Center in the State of Maine.  We have the tools, training, and Genuine Toyota Parts necessary to restore your Toyota to original factory specifications. 

For more information on Downeast Auto Body, please visit our new website, www.downeastautobody.com.

Anyone can take out the dents, at Downeast Auto Body, we take out the doubts.