CAADE Vehicle Damage Assessment 5

Question 1

When a bonded (adhesive-attached) exterior panel such as a rear quarter is replaced on a steel unibody, which joining method replicates OEM construction?

Accepted Answer

Panel bonding adhesive combined with plug welds at structural locations

Answer

OEM bonded panels use structural adhesive for large surface areas and plug welds at designated structural points to match factory strength and corrosion resistance.

Question 2

A vehicle struck in the front has a bent radiator support but the frame rails appear undamaged. Which measurement best confirms whether the engine cradle is still in its correct position?

Accepted Answer

Datum plane measurements at the cradle mount holes compared to factory specifications

Answer

Engine cradle position is verified by measuring its mounting points against vehicle-specific datum plane data, ensuring drivetrain alignment and subframe geometry are correct.

Question 3

Under ICAR repair procedures, why must weld-through primer be applied before spot welding replacement panels?

Accepted Answer

It prevents corrosion in the weld zone where protective coatings are burned away

Answer

The heat of welding destroys surrounding corrosion protection; weld-through primer provides a sacrificial zinc-based coating to protect the bare metal in the weld flange area.

Question 4

When estimating paint refinish time for a bumper cover that has been removed for repair, which step should NOT be included in the R&I labor?

Accepted Answer

Spraying the complete bumper cover with color and clear

Answer

Refinish (paint) labor is a separate line item from R&I (remove and install); applying color and clear is charged under refinish, not removal labor.

Question 5

An appraiser discovers that a vehicle has a salvage title prior to the current loss. How does this affect the appraisal?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the ACV because salvage-titled vehicles carry a stigma discount in the market

Answer

The resale market applies a stigma (brand) discount to salvage-titled vehicles, lowering their ACV compared to clean-titled equivalents regardless of repair quality.

(CAADE) Certified Automotive Appraisal and Damage Estimator Practice Test

(CAADE) Certified Automotive Appraisal and Damage Estimator Practice Test

CAADE Vehicle Damage Assessment 5