{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Inside The Tech Powering Modern Collision Repair","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/inside-the-tech-powering-modern-collision-repair","audioUrl":"https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/246908/episodes/18724530-inside-the-tech-powering-modern-collision-repair.mp3","description":"Ever wondered how a body shop brings a modern, sensor-packed car back to life after a crash? We sit down with Andy Noyes from asTech, driven by Reparify, to unpack the behind-the-scenes tech that turns chaos into confidence: remote OEM diagnostics, precise calibrations, and factory-level programming delivered through a simple plug-in device. From pre-repair scans that reveal hidden restraint faults to post-repair verifications that ensure every module is talking, you’ll hear how shops cut delays, reduce supplements, and hand back vehicles that are truly road ready.We dive into real-world cases where this approach shines. Airbag deployments aren’t just about swapping a module—procedures can call for new seat belts, sensors, and software steps that vary by brand. Windshield replacements on late-model cars now demand camera calibrations, and we explore why cheap glass can sabotage those efforts even when the camera is mounted correctly. Andy explains how brand specialists pair OEM tools over the internet to program radar modules, run seat weight initializations, and diagnose intermittent ABS issues with live data, saving days of trial and error and protecting drivers from unsafe ADAS behavior.If you manage a collision center, handle glass installs, or simply drive a car built in the last decade, this conversation makes the new repair reality clear and practical. You’ll learn why generic scanners miss key modules, how pay-per-use remote support scales from a few jobs to dozens daily, and how transparent reports help set expectations with insurers and customers alike. We round out the show with a quick look at regenerative tire tech on the horizon and a field guide to the best Texas bluebonnet routes for your next drive.If this helped demystify modern repairs, follow the show, share it with a friend who wrenches, and leave a rating with your biggest calibration question—we may answer it on air next week.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":16.8,"endTime":21.2,"type":"company","title":"Repairify","url":"/glossary/repairify","quote":"Andy and Oya's with a dealership support company called Repairify.\nWhat'd they do?","canonicalId":"company:repairify","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Repairify is a company that provides technology and support services to automotive dealerships and repair shops, helping them with vehicle diagnostics, repair estimates, and workflow management.","simplifiedExplanation":"Repairify is a company that helps car repair shops and dealerships figure out what's wrong with cars and how to fix them."}},{"startTime":130.1,"endTime":137.2,"type":"term","title":"OEM diagnostics","url":"/glossary/oem-diagnostics","quote":"I specifically work under the Aztec umbrella, which we're the global leader of OEM diagnostics and calibration really focusing in the collision space.","canonicalId":"term:oem-diagnostics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"OEM diagnostics refers to diagnostic tools and software provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer to accurately identify issues in vehicles. These tools are designed to work specifically with the manufacturer's vehicles for precise troubleshooting and repair.","simplifiedExplanation":"OEM diagnostics are special tools made by the car company to find problems in their cars. They help mechanics fix cars the right way."}},{"startTime":200.2,"endTime":207.7,"type":"term","title":"OBD connector","url":"/glossary/obd-connector","quote":"So we have a patented device called the Aztec device that will hook up to the vehicles OBD connector.","canonicalId":"term:obd-connector","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) connector is a standardized port in vehicles that allows external devices to communicate with the car's computer for diagnostics and programming.","simplifiedExplanation":"The OBD connector is a plug in your car that lets mechanics or devices check how your car is working and fix problems."}},{"startTime":216.2,"endTime":224.0,"type":"term","title":"programming events","url":"/glossary/programming-events","quote":"we can help perform diagnostics, repairs, initializations, programming events all over the internet for shops all over the country.","canonicalId":"term:programming-events","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Programming events refer to the process of updating or configuring a vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs) or modules to ensure proper operation after repairs or part replacements.","simplifiedExplanation":"Programming events mean updating your car's computer to make sure everything works right after fixing or changing parts."}},{"startTime":232.3,"endTime":243.9,"type":"term","title":"radar module","url":"/glossary/radar-module","quote":"if the collision center has replaced a new radar module as an instance, right, the front radar, and that radar needs to be programmed before it's calibrated,","canonicalId":"term:radar-module","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A radar module is an electronic sensor used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to detect objects and measure distance, often used for adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A radar module is a sensor on your car that helps it see other cars or objects to keep you safe, like for cruise control or avoiding crashes."}},{"startTime":270.84,"endTime":275.0,"type":"term","title":"pre repair scan","url":"/glossary/pre-repair-scan","quote":"we'll do what's called a pre repair scan. So we're trying to do a health check of the vehicle, give the our customer the shop an indication of what active faults might be in it.","canonicalId":"term:pre-repair-scan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A pre repair scan is a diagnostic check performed on a vehicle before any repairs begin. It identifies existing faults or issues in the vehicle's systems to inform the repair process.","simplifiedExplanation":"Before fixing a car, mechanics run a computer check to see what problems the car already has. This helps them know what to fix."}},{"startTime":294.2,"endTime":318.6,"type":"term","title":"post repair scan","url":"/glossary/post-repair-scan","quote":"On a post scan, obviously, we had all that pre repair, pre repair information, right? But through the repair process, there's a lot of repair induced faults that can happen just with having headlights disconnected, lights removed, right? You might be stripping the interior. So we do a post repair scan to make sure that everything is connected, working, programmed,","canonicalId":"term:post-repair-scan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A post repair scan is a diagnostic check performed after repairs are completed to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and no new faults have been introduced during the repair process.","simplifiedExplanation":"After fixing the car, mechanics run another computer check to make sure everything is working right and nothing got broken while fixing it."}},{"startTime":324.8,"endTime":335.0,"type":"term","title":"seat weight initialization","url":"/glossary/seat-weight-initialization","quote":"initialized, you know, for Toyota's as example, after they're in a collision, you need to do a seat weight initialization. So it makes sure that a passenger, you know, it's reading the right weight on the passenger seat.","canonicalId":"term:seat-weight-initialization","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Seat weight initialization is a process performed after certain events like collisions to recalibrate the passenger seat sensors. This ensures the system accurately detects the presence and approximate weight of a passenger for airbag deployment and safety features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Seat weight initialization is when the car resets the sensors in the passenger seat to know if someone is sitting there and how heavy they are. This helps the car decide if airbags should be turned on or off."}},{"startTime":361.34000000000003,"endTime":363.6,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Corvette","url":"/cars/chevrolet/corvette","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Chevrolet_Corvette%2C_BAS_24%2C_Brussels_%28P1170387-RR%29.jpg","quote":"How about a 2001 Corvette? Probably not a whole lot of eight ass technology on that where we're going to have those kinds of initializations and things that we'd be doing back on a 2001, right, that the more and more the newer the vehicle, the more advanced the technologies are.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:corvette","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car from the fifth generation (C5) of the Corvette lineup, known for its performance and relatively simple technology compared to modern cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is an older sports car that is fun to drive but doesn't have many of the modern safety and tech features newer cars have.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":395.0,"endTime":403.6,"type":"term","title":"traction control","url":"/glossary/traction-control","quote":"It has an occasionally occasion thrown a, a traction control and ABS light.","canonicalId":"term:traction-control","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Traction control is a safety system in vehicles that prevents wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"Traction control helps keep your car from slipping when you press the gas, especially on slippery roads. It stops the wheels from spinning too much so you stay in control."}},{"startTime":395.0,"endTime":403.6,"type":"term","title":"ABS light","url":"/glossary/abs-light","quote":"It has an occasionally occasion thrown a, a traction control and ABS light.","canonicalId":"term:abs-light","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The ABS light on a car's dashboard indicates the status of the Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking to maintain steering control.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ABS light tells you if the car's special brakes that stop the wheels from locking up are working right. If the light is on, there might be a problem with those brakes."}},{"startTime":494.0,"endTime":498.7,"type":"term","title":"fixed operations","url":"/glossary/fixed-operations","quote":"\"...most of my career, uh, has been in the retail automotive space, you know, running fixed operations, you know, partner, you service departments and retail dealerships...\"","canonicalId":"term:fixed-operations","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fixed operations refer to the departments within a car dealership that handle vehicle maintenance, repairs, and parts sales, including service and parts departments. They are a critical revenue source for dealerships beyond new car sales.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fixed operations are the parts of a car dealership that fix and take care of cars, like the service and repair areas. They help keep cars running well after you buy them."}},{"startTime":498.7,"endTime":502.1,"type":"term","title":"collision","url":"/glossary/collision","quote":"\"...the last seven years has been in collision. Okay. So you're the body shop guy. I work with them every day...\"","canonicalId":"term:collision","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Collision refers to the automotive repair sector focused on repairing vehicle body damage from accidents, including frame straightening, panel replacement, and paint work. It is distinct from mechanical repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Collision means fixing cars that have been in crashes or accidents, especially the outside parts like the body and paint. It's different from fixing the engine or tires."}},{"startTime":521.7,"endTime":533.8,"type":"concept","title":"service department","url":"/glossary/service-department","quote":"\"...relationship to say the service department where we, you know, do tuneups and blow up motors and stuff like that.\"","canonicalId":"concept:service-department","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The service department in a dealership handles vehicle maintenance and repairs such as tune-ups and engine work. It is typically separate from the body shop and focuses on mechanical and technical servicing of vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The service department is where cars get fixed for things like oil changes, engine repairs, and other mechanical work. It's like the car's doctor for keeping it running well."}},{"startTime":541.0,"endTime":547.4,"type":"concept","title":"body shop","url":"/glossary/body-shop","quote":"\"...that's probably fixing 99% Chevrolets that body shop could be fixing, you know, every make and model.\"","canonicalId":"concept:body-shop","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A body shop is a facility that specializes in repairing vehicle bodies, including fixing dents, painting, and collision damage. Unlike the service department, it often services multiple makes and models regardless of dealership brand.","simplifiedExplanation":"The body shop is where cars get fixed if they have dents, scratches, or were in an accident. They fix the outside of the car, like the paint and panels."}},{"startTime":554.8,"endTime":559.6,"type":"concept","title":"fiber glass","url":"/glossary/fiberglass","quote":"They didn't want all that riffraff, well, the riffraff and all of the dust from the fiber glass contain, you know, making really bad days for the paint guy.","canonicalId":"concept:fiberglass","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers embedded in resin. It is commonly used in car body panels like those on Corvettes, but its dust can be harmful and problematic in paint shops.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fiberglass is a material made from tiny glass threads mixed with plastic. It's often used to make car parts but can create dust that makes painting cars harder."}},{"startTime":602.6,"endTime":607.0,"type":"term","title":"OEM tool","url":"/glossary/oem-tool","quote":"body shops won't have each individual OEM tool, right? They won't have a Toyota TechStream.","canonicalId":"term:oem-tool","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"OEM tools are specialized diagnostic or repair tools provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specific to a car brand. These tools are necessary for accurate diagnostics, programming, and repairs that generic tools might not handle.","simplifiedExplanation":"OEM tools are special tools made by the car company to help fix their cars properly. They can find problems and fix things that regular tools can't."}},{"startTime":607.0,"endTime":609.4,"type":"company","title":"Toyota TechStream","url":"/glossary/toyota-techstream","quote":"They won't have a Toyota TechStream. They won't have a Honda tool.","canonicalId":"company:toyota-techstream","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota TechStream is the official diagnostic software and tool used by Toyota dealerships and authorized repair shops. It allows technicians to read trouble codes, perform diagnostics, and program vehicle modules specific to Toyota vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota TechStream is a special computer program that helps mechanics find and fix problems in Toyota cars."}},{"startTime":609.4,"endTime":610.92,"type":"company","title":"Honda tool","url":"/glossary/honda-tool","quote":"They won't have a Toyota TechStream. They won't have a Honda tool.","canonicalId":"company:honda-tool","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda tool refers to the official diagnostic and programming tools used by Honda dealerships and authorized repair centers to service Honda vehicles accurately.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Honda tool is a special device or software that helps mechanics check and fix Honda cars properly."}},{"startTime":724.1,"endTime":729.6,"type":"term","title":"airbag deployment","url":"/glossary/airbag-deployment","quote":"I like to find a car on the lot that has an airbag deployment. Um, because one of the value ads that we do when a car has a deployment is we go into the repair procedures for those vehicles, right?","canonicalId":"term:airbag-deployment","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Airbag deployment refers to the activation and inflation of airbags in a vehicle during a collision to protect occupants. It often triggers the need for repairs or replacement of airbags and related safety components.","simplifiedExplanation":"Airbag deployment means the airbags in a car have popped out because of an accident. After this happens, the airbags and some other parts usually need to be fixed or replaced."}},{"startTime":738.8,"endTime":744.5,"type":"part","title":"airbag module","url":"/glossary/airbag-module","quote":"Like car one may just require an airbag and a module, but car two might require airbag modules, seat belts and car three might have programming events and a combination of all those different parts, right?","canonicalId":"part:airbag-module","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An airbag module is the assembly that contains the airbag cushion and the inflator mechanism. It is a critical safety component that deploys airbags during a crash.","simplifiedExplanation":"The airbag module is the part inside the car that holds the airbag and makes it pop out when there's a crash to keep people safe."}},{"startTime":798.22,"endTime":805.0,"type":"term","title":"windshield calibration","url":"/glossary/windshield-calibration","quote":"So any car with a windshield camera that has a windshield replaced is required to have a windshield calibration after a camera calibration after that windshields replaced.","canonicalId":"term:windshield-calibration","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Windshield calibration is the process of recalibrating cameras and sensors mounted on or near the windshield after the windshield has been replaced. This ensures that advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking function correctly.","simplifiedExplanation":"When a car's windshield is replaced, the cameras and sensors attached to it need to be adjusted so safety features work right. This adjustment is called windshield calibration."}},{"startTime":886.0,"endTime":889.0,"type":"term","title":"aftermarket","url":"/glossary/aftermarket","quote":"\"you used to have OEM, then you used to have aftermarket\"","canonicalId":"term:aftermarket","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aftermarket parts are components made by companies other than the original manufacturer, often at lower cost but with varying quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aftermarket parts are made by other companies, not the car maker, and can be cheaper but might not always be as good."}},{"startTime":1190.56,"endTime":1213.3,"type":"term","title":"regenerative tires","url":"/glossary/regenerative-tires","quote":"Regenerative tires signifies a major leap forward in automotive industry. This groundbreaking technology is underpinned by the concept of self-replenishing tread. That can only be significant implications for driving safety, cost effectiveness and the environment. You say, what's behind the science, Michael? Well, regenerative tires are essentially self-renewing with the capacity to continually regenerate their tread.","canonicalId":"term:regenerative-tires","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Regenerative tires are a new type of tire technology designed to self-renew their tread by using smart materials that can regenerate worn rubber, potentially extending tire life and improving safety and environmental impact.","simplifiedExplanation":"Regenerative tires are special tires that can fix themselves by growing new tread as the old tread wears out, which means they last longer and are safer to drive on."}},{"startTime":1247.3,"endTime":1251.0,"type":"company","title":"Goodyear","url":"/glossary/good-year","quote":"For instance, Goodyear has a recharge concept. It represents a bold vision for the future of tire technology.","canonicalId":"company:good-year","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Goodyear is a major tire manufacturer known for innovation in tire technology, including concepts like regenerative tires that can replenish their tread over time.","simplifiedExplanation":"Goodyear makes tires for cars and trucks. They are working on new tires that can fix themselves and last longer."}},{"startTime":1262.46,"endTime":1262.5,"type":"brand","title":"Michelin","url":"/glossary/michelin","quote":"So Michelin has been making strides in this field also, a regenerative tires.","canonicalId":"brand:michelin","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Michelin is a major global tire manufacturer known for innovation and high-quality tires. They are involved in developing new tire technologies, including regenerative tires.","simplifiedExplanation":"Michelin is a company that makes tires for cars and other vehicles. They are working on new types of tires that can repair themselves or last longer."}},{"startTime":1288.6,"endTime":1305.5,"type":"term","title":"tire tread depth","url":"/glossary/tire-tread-depth","quote":"tread blocks that expand the tire wear down by the maintaining the optional tread depth. So that's pretty important because what you're going to do is it gets lower. It's going to regenerate more. The potential impact of this is main benefits of regenerating tire potential to enhance road safety by maintaining optional tire tread depth.","canonicalId":"term:tire-tread-depth","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tire tread depth refers to the measurement of the grooves on a tire's surface. Maintaining optimal tread depth is crucial for ensuring good grip, traction, and overall road safety, especially in wet or slippery conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire tread depth is how deep the grooves on your tires are. Having enough depth helps your car stick to the road better and keeps you safe when driving."}},{"startTime":1759.7,"endTime":1762.0,"type":"concept","title":"car meet","url":"/glossary/car-meet","quote":"...Team Gilman is hosting a mega car meet at the North Complex...","canonicalId":"concept:car-meet","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A car meet is a gathering of car enthusiasts who come together to show their vehicles, share knowledge, and socialize.","simplifiedExplanation":"A car meet is when people who like cars get together to look at each other's cars and talk about them."}},{"startTime":1764.0,"endTime":1764.5,"type":"brand","title":"Mazda","url":"/glossary/mazda","quote":"...Accra, Mazda, Subaru...","canonicalId":"brand:mazda","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mazda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing sporty and reliable vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes cars known for being fun to drive and dependable."}},{"startTime":1764.5,"endTime":1765.0,"type":"brand","title":"Subaru","url":"/glossary/subaru","quote":"...Accra, Mazda, Subaru...","canonicalId":"brand:subaru","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subaru is a Japanese car manufacturer famous for its use of all-wheel drive and boxer engines, often favored for their performance in various weather conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes cars with special engines and all-wheel drive, which helps them drive well in rain or snow."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Michael Marrs","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Jeff Dziekan","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/inside-the-tech-powering-modern-collision-repair/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}