Windsor, Ontario -- The Ford Motor Company is updating its guidance on aluminum structural repairs, advanced driver assistance systems and scanning procedures.
The OEM has issued an updated position statement detailing new requirements for collision repair centers, which emphasize the need for specialized equipment, certified technicians and the exclusive use of OEM parts to ensure the safety, performance and longevity of Ford vehicles post-collision.
The new guidelines highlight the growing importance of certified facilities within Ford’s Ford Certified Collision Network, a program designed to ensure repairs are carried out with the highest level of expertise and precision.
Ford’s updated position statement underscores the need for dedicated aluminum repair areas within collision centres equipped with specialized tools and materials. According to the OEM, these areas should be segregated from other repair zones to prevent contamination and technicians must have certification in aluminum-specific repair methods, including welding, riveting and bonding.
“Repairing aluminum requires specific tools and techniques,” Ford officials wrote in their statement. “To ensure vehicle safety and structural integrity, we recommend that all aluminum repairs be performed at Ford Certified Collision Network centres using Ford-approved parts and procedures.”
Among the necessary tools, Ford specifies the use of immersion wet-mix dust extraction systems to control aluminum dust, a Ford-approved self-piercing rivet gun for accurate panel joining, and a 220V aluminum MIG welder to ensure secure welds. Technicians must also be trained in Ford’s aluminum-specific repair techniques, including the use of Ford original aluminum parts, adhesives, and fasteners.
Ford has also made it clear that using non-OEM parts in aluminum structural repairs is not acceptable. The company warns that recycled, salvaged, aftermarket, or reconditioned components have not been validated for use in aluminum repairs, potentially compromising the vehicle's structural integrity and crash performance.
“The use of non-OEM parts could lead to mismatched materials that may deform unpredictably in the event of another collision, ultimately putting vehicle occupants at risk,” the company stated. “Ford’s original parts are specifically engineered to work together as a system, ensuring safety, durability, and long-term reliability.”
This new guidance follows a growing industry trend toward emphasizing the importance of OEM parts for both the safety of vehicle occupants and the longevity of the vehicle itself. Repairers in the Ford Certified Collision Network will be required to meet all of these standards in order to maintain certification.
The updated guidelines come at a time when the automotive repair industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by the increasing complexity of vehicles equipped with advanced technology, such as ADAS.
“As vehicles evolve, so too must the repair industry,” said the position statement. “Our updated collision repair guidelines ensure that Ford vehicles are repaired using the best possible materials and procedures, maintaining their integrity, safety and long-term durability.”
