The need for pre- and post-repair vehicle scanning as a normal part of the repair process is a topic of significant discussion within the collision repair industry. This discussion has explored and evaluated by the Automotive Service Association’s Collision Operations Committee, which has announced the following position statement on the issue.
The Automotive Service Association supports the electronic scanning of all vehicles prior to and after collision repairs are completed in order to ensure that all potential damage has been identified to achieve a safe and complete repair. ASA will maintain this position until such time as the vehicle manufacturers identify the specific years, makes, models and scenarios where such scanning is not necessary.
ASA’s position on pre- and post-repair vehicle scanning is consistent with similar positions issued by General Motors, Audi, Honda, FCA (Chrysler), Toyota, Nissan and the Equipment and Tool institute and other industry associations. You can view the existing OEM position statements on vehicle scanning here.
ASA also supports full disclosure and a customers’ written acknowledgement of the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) identified by the scans, along with documenting and informing the customer of other issues with the vehicle that are not related to the accident but where a DTC is present.
ASA will continue to seek input on this topic from our members and others, as the information available evolves. Thank you for your membership and continued support of an association committed to helping improve the service and collision repair industries.
