When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
When searching for repair procedures, knowing what to look for can save valuable time. When searching Volkswagen, for example, instead of looking for a lower rail, look for the front longitudinal member (see Table 1). Having the correct repair information is essential to a proper repair process. Without vehicle maker repair information, you are potentially re-engineering the vehicle without the research into how the vehicle would react in another collision.
Volkswagen repair information is available for purchase at: www.erwin.vw.com
| Volkswagen Part Terms | Industry Part Terms |
| Upper Wheel Housing Longitudinal Member | Front Upper Rail |
| Front Longitudinal Member | Front Lower Rail |
| A-Pillar, Roof Pillar | A-Pillar |
| B-Pillar | B-Pillar |
| Outer Side Sill | Outer Rocker Panel |
| Side Panel | Quarter Panel |
| Rear Crossmember, Rear Cross Panel | Rear Body Panel |
| Rear Luggage Compartment Floor | Trunk Floor |
| Rear Longitudinal Member | Rear Rail |
| This table shows the terms that Volkswagen uses on the left and the common industry terms on the right. | |
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: Volkswagen
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Volkswagen Repair Information
- What's A Name For An OEM Part

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