On the 10th, the Korea Insurance Development Institute stated, "Through testing, we have proven that repairing the bumper of a vehicle equipped with radar sensors does not affect the sensor's functionality," adding, "As a result of this research, even overseas automobile manufacturers have revised their repair manuals to allow bumper repairs on vehicles equipped with BSD (Blind Spot Detection System)."
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] It is now possible to resolve minor accidents around radar sensors attached to car bumpers with simple repairs instead of replacing the bumper. This is expected to reduce the repair costs burden on drivers.
On the 10th, the Korea Insurance Development Institute stated, "We have proven through testing that repairing the bumper of a vehicle equipped with radar sensors does not affect the sensor's functionality," adding, "As a result of this research, even overseas automakers have revised their repair manuals to allow bumper repairs on vehicles equipped with BSD (Blind Spot Detection system)."
The Blind Spot Detection system detects vehicles in the rear-side blind spots while driving and alerts the driver. It operates by signals from radar sensors mounted on the vehicle body that penetrate the bumper.
Previously, when repairing bumpers on vehicles equipped with BSD operating via radar sensors, some automakers required part replacements even for minor damages such as scratches, due to safety concerns (performance degradation of radar sensors).
The Development Institute conducted evaluation tests on the impact of bumper repair methods on radar sensors, as well as comparative tests on radar sensor operation and performance during driving conditions using actual vehicles. The results concluded that "in areas not penetrated by radar, sensor performance is unaffected after bumper repairs, and even in radar-penetrated areas, most painting work except for some specific tasks does not affect performance."
BMW revised its globally used repair manual through technical review and internal testing based on this research. Consequently, all service centers can now repair bumpers on BMW vehicles.
BMW stated, "This decision reflects the progressive will and technological development efforts of the German headquarters, considering the importance of Korean consumers."
An official from the Development Institute said, "This is the first case where a world-leading automaker has revised its global repair manual reflecting Korea's opinions," adding, "This will serve as an opportunity for other automakers, whose bumper repair standards for radar sensor-equipped vehicles have been unclear, to improve repair manuals and develop technologies to enhance radar sensor performance."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
