Motor Information Systems has released a revised edition of its Guide to Estimating, its explanation of what is and is not included in its estimating labor times (the system used by CCC Information Services). Revisions made in the February 2012 version are highlighted in blue within the guide. The new guide, for example, indicates that bumper labor times are now shown to include lamps when mounted to the bumper but not include optional equipment lamps or those not mounted to the bumper. Labor times for fender inner panels are now shown to include grinding, filling, and smoothing welded seams up to 150 grit sandpaper. Hinge pillar glass and moldings are now listed as included in cowl, hinge pillar and dash panel times.
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State Farm is offering a free app that when activated on a cell phone or iPad in a car, gives the driver a score and feedback on his or her driving at the conclusion of a trip. It uses the device’s accelerometer to monitor braking, cornering and acceleration. The insurer says it neither receives nor uses any of the info captured by its “Driver Feedback” app.
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I-CAR has launched a new “Best Practices for High-Strength Steel Repairs” training course, with information on proper repair procedures designed to help ensure five-star crash ratings are not compromised during the repair process “As an increased number of manufacturers build vehicles with significant amounts of high-strength steel and ultra high-strength steel, the need to understand repair methodologies becomes even more critical to safe and complete repairs,” Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Technical Director, said. “This course will impact new technicians and veterans alike.”
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