One of the most important things we try to convey to our customers when they come into our shop is body shops are not created equally. The days of dropping your car off at the shop and the technicians using the same tools to repair your car are no longer the way you can repair your car the right way per manufacturer guidelines. Sure, you can get a car that may look “fixed.” The trick is getting your car repaired somewhere that follows the repair procedures laid out by your car’s manufacturer that guarantee a safe, quality repair, commonly known as OEM repair procedures.
Here at Starr Collision & Body Shop, we get Saugerties customers asking us all the time what needs to happen to their car during the repair process. The truth is it all depends on the damage, what car you have, and most importantly…what the manufacturer tells us. We write our blogs so you have a better understanding of what to expect during the repair process.
However, we wouldn’t be writing this if every body shop was repairing your car the right way. Unfortunately, most shops will still fix your vehicle the way they have for years, ignoring these OEM repair procedures because the technicians feel their experience is more important than what the OEM says.
When it comes to repairing the 2017 Honda Odyssey, Honda has specific repair requirements when working on this vehicle. We want Saugerties drivers to know what these areas are so you know the things to look for when you receive an estimate. If you don’t see any of the below repair procedures on the estimate, then that shop is putting your life at risk.
Significant Changes to the 2017 Odyssey
There hasn’t been much change to the exterior of the Odyssey since 2011. However, there are significant changes to the vehicle’s structure in the 2017 model that technicians need to be aware of. Many technicians will make these mistakes because they assume since the cars technically look the same, they’ll be repaired the same way they have for the previous model years. However, as we’re about to explain, repairing the 2017 Odyssey is different from how you’d repair any other Odyssey. It takes skilled repair technicians to know the difference between these cars and the ability to repair your vehicle the right way, specifically for your make and model.
For starters, the 2011-2013 Odyssey model was made of 59% High Strength Steel (HSS) and featured Honda’s Ace Body Structure (ABS). Then in 2014, Honda had a whole new generational change in the ABS, increasing the amount of HSS utilized, not to mention integrating aluminum into the vehicle’s structure. The 2017 model has continued to be modified to adapt to these changes and is composed of more high-tensile steel “than ever before.” According to Honda, “…this contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance, and efficiency, without compromising crash safety or long-term durability.”
Repairing the Odyssey
Since there are a repair manual and repair manual supplement available for technicians, they must pay careful attention to any differences the supplement may have from the manual. Honda states, “if the procedure in the supplement different from the original [manual]…that information supersedes the original information. However, if there is no procedure in the supplement, the original procedure applies.”
Aiming and Calibration Requirements
Ever since the integration of ADAS safety technology in cars, there have been new repair procedures introduced to make sure these systems are working properly, even after a repair. These new repair procedures are alignment, aiming, and calibration.
ADAS technology is composed of ultrasonic, camera, and/or radar sensors. This is why calibration/aiming is a required procedure any time these vehicles are being repaired. Most shops will ignore any calibration requirements because they assume if there’s no visible damage to any of these systems, then they are functioning the way they should be. However, even one degree can cause total repair failure in these systems.
The 2017 Odyssey comes with a variety of ADAS technology. The forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems use the same upper windshield camera, which means they have specific repair requirements. If either the camera or windshield is removed or replaced (commonly known as R&R) at anytime during the repair process, the camera unit will need an aiming procedure.
Blindspot warning is also available on the 2017 Odyssey. If either the left or right blind spot warning sensors are removed or replaced, Honda requires an alignment procedure. In the rearview passenger mirror, you probably noticed a camera. This is part of the 2017 Odyssey’s lane watch system. This camera will need to be realigned if:
-The camera is removed or replaced
-Door mirror is removed or replaced
-The door panel is repaired
Whether you had your mirrors clipped or were in a minor fender bender, aiming procedures guarantee the cameras are aimed in the right direction so the advances safety systems can perform the way they need to. Without an aiming procedure or calibration of these systems, your safety would be compromised.
Sectioning Requirements on the 2017 Odyssey
Because the 2017 Odyssey is composed of a combination of materials, it’s essential to your safety that a technician knows the sectioning requirements on your vehicle. You wouldn’t want parts removed off your car that wasn’t supposed to, only to be replaced with inferior-quality aftermarket parts. And yet, many repair shops do precisely that, even on the newest models out on the road complete with all sorts of advanced technology and sophisticated materials. As we mentioned earlier, technicians must look up in the repair manual and repair manual supplement on how and where to repair different areas on your car.
When it comes to repairing the lower rail on the Odyssey, there isn’t a sectioning procedure, but there is a partial part replacement procedure at a factory seam near the cow. The rear rail and rear floor don’t allow sectioning, but there are several partial part replacement at factory seam procedures available.
As you might assume from the name, a partial part procedure is different from a full part replacement procedure or sectioning. However, the average technician will likely go ahead and perform a sectioning procedure since this is how they’d repair the same damaged area on any other car. This is not only illegitimate repair practice, but it is unsafe, and you should only take your vehicle somewhere that follows what Honda has to say.
Who In Saugerties Knows How To Repair My 2017 Odyssey The Right Way?
At Starr Collision & Body Shop, we never begin a repair before looking up what the manufacturer tells us for repairing that specific vehicle. The 2017 Honda Odyssey is a popular vehicle, typically for families, and we never want a family to have their safety compromised because of an illegitimate repair. Our team of technicians is highly trained in the importance of OEM repair procedures because that’s what you deserve.
We have been serving the Saugerties and Kingston, New York area for over 10 years and are continuing the show customers what it means to get their car repaired the right way. Any autobody repair shop can promise to “fix” your car and make your car look like it’s never been in an accident. The difference is taking it somewhere that takes the additional time to look up what the manufacturer says when repairing their specific vehicle. Even if it’s only minor fender bender damage, your safety should always come first.
We want to show you why we are the most trusted shop in Saugerties, New York and help you get back to a normal life. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or request an online quote, simply click any of the buttons below to get started! Or, feel free to call us at (845) 247-7411!
We look forward to hearing from you and showing you the Starr Collision & Body Shop difference.
