The 2019 Volvo XC90 is a popular vehicle that does have several auto body repair procedures recommended by the manufacturer. It’s important for your repair shop in St. Louis, MO to follow those procedures to the letter for all levels of service and repair, in order to maintain your warranty on the vehicle. Improper repair methods can also endanger your safety in the long run. In this article we’ll cover the unique aspects of repairing your Volvo, so you can make an educated decision when bringing your vehicle in for repairs.

Many car models have unique repair procedures that can’t be applied to other vehicles, making it hard for the owner of the vehicle to know whether their car is being repaired in the right way. If you’re not a repair technician, and don’t really have the expertise or the time to become a technical expert on the unique features of your car, it’s easy for auto repair shops to take advantage and use unsafe shortcuts to make it seem like they’re “fixing” your car.

Luckily Volvo has very explicit directions for servicing every part of the XC90, along with detailed visuals in the Service and Repair Manual. In fact, Volvo has a network of shops throughout the country that are certified by the manufacturer, ensuring that all the specific needs of the vehicle are met in the event of a collision. Some factors to consider when bringing your 2019 Volvo XC90 in for repairs include:

Camera and Radar Unit

The 2019 Volvo XC90 has an extensive camera and radar system built into the body. These cameras and sensors need to be cleaned regularly and calibrated if the front, back and side rails are removed in any way.

Volvo Genuine Parts

For any part of the vehicle that needs to be replaced, Volvo highly recommends that you insist the mechanic orders genuine parts from the manufacturer, which are the exact same parts that were installed at the factory. These parts will fit better, look better, and offer one of the best warranties in the industry. But above all, it’s about safety and Hunter Auto Body only uses the safest methods on your repair. Generic parts installed just to cut corners or save money could endanger the overall structural integrity of the vehicle.

Windshield

The windshield is important to the structural integrity of the vehicle and also interacts with many Volvo safety systems. The only way to preserve performance and guarantee safety is to install Volvo Genuine Windshields.

The windshield supports the function of about 20 safety systems. This is because of the ASDM (ActiveSafety Domain Master) that is located inside the upper edge of the windshield of all Volvo SPA cars.

The camera and radar unit in the ASDM are used together or individually to enable about 20 different functions, including City Safety, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information and Active High Beam, to name a few. The camera and radar are sensitive to optical and geometric tolerances, glass thickness and mass of the windshield. The software is fine-tuned for each windshield variant and demands extremely stringent optical tolerances to function as intended.

Pre and Post-Repair Scanning of Sensors

Pre-repair scanning is required prior to performing any work on the vehicle to reveal any malfunctions or failures of components that must be addressed during the repairs. Post-repair scanning and diagnosis of the vehicle is required to make sure the vehicle’s safety and autonomous systems are functioning correctly. At Hunter Auto Body, we do both to ensure the safest repair.

Any safety systems that may have kicked in during a collision may require calibration or replacement. Examples of when pre/post scans should be performed:

• Windshield replacements (due to cameras and sensors located on the glass)
• Removal and/or replacement of bumpers, SRS sensors, PDC sensors, exterior mirrors, autonomous drive sensors and cameras, headlights, computer-aided drivetrain, wiring harnesses, vehicle control units, seats, or interior trim panels
• Disconnected/drained batteries

Supplemental Restraint Systems

Steering Wheel

When the steering wheel airbag deploys, the steering wheel must always be replaced.

Damage can occur which is not externally visible.

Restraint Systems

With any airbag deployment, seatbelt pre-tensioners and buckles must be replaced on seats

which were occupied at the time of the accident. Seat belts, buckles, car seat anchors and other components on seats that were unoccupied at the time of the accident must be visually inspected. When in doubt, replace.

Clockspring

When the steering wheel airbag deploys, the clockspring must always be inspected for damage. When in doubt, replace.

Steering Column

When the steering wheel airbag deploys, the steering column must always be inspected for damage. When in doubt, replace.

Seats

With any airbag deployment, visually inspect seats that were occupied at the time of the accident. When in doubt, replace.

Whips System

Volvo vehicles come equipped with whiplash protection. Headrests in seats can shift forward to protect passengers when the vehicle is rear-ended. These components must be inspected and/or replaced if deployment occurs. When in doubt, replace.

Knee Airbag Deployment

Volvo vehicles come equipped with knee impact protection. In the event of a knee airbag deployment the dashboard must be inspected for damage. Repairing the dashboard in this area is not permitted. These components must be inspected and/or replaced if deployment occurs. When in doubt, replace.

Conclusion

We hope this information gives you a better understanding of the basic unique features of your car, and gives you confidence in ensuring your collision repair shop is performing repairs in the right way.

If you are comparing several body shops or even considering us here at Hunter Auto Body, we want you to know that it is our policy to always to research each vehicles manufacturer procedures before beginning any repair. We know its important for your safety and protecting the value of your car.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or to get an online quote, click any of the buttons below! Or, feel free to give us a call at 314-353-3122. We look forward to hearing from you!