It is nothing new, the application of aluminum panels for automotive use. For years, hoods and deck lids have been made with aluminum. To help vehicles be manufactured for a specific emissions class, replacing steel parts with aluminum helps minimize weight levels. Aluminum parts are exclusively used on many luxury cars including the Range Rover, Jaguar, Ashton Martin, and the Audi in fact. Vehicles were more exclusively made from steel in the past. Though it is a solid choice for creating a sturdy automobile, out of other materials that are just as safe and weigh far less, modern design can create light-weight impact-resistant solutions. Today, we at Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic would like to discuss aluminum vs steel parts and aluminum collision repair.
Is Aluminum Better than Steel for Car Bodies?
The most well-known vehicle to pioneer the use of extensive aluminum parts is the Ford F-150. Giving the vehicle a sturdy internal structure, the aluminum parts now make up most of the vehicle, although a steel frame still resides inside. Better mileage for such a large vehicle is the result of less weight due to replacing the steel. This is one of the primary reasons aluminum is the preference.
Can Aluminum Auto Body Dents Be Repaired?
Steel repairs differ extensively than aluminum collision repairs. It easily can be returned to its original structure as steel has metal memory. Special tools are needed to repair dents as aluminum is more pliable. Now the standard resource for body shops that do aluminum repairs is an aluminum dent pulling station. Reaction to heat is also different with aluminum. Methods will need to be adjusted with body shops that have traditionally worked with steel. Many vehicles with extensive aluminum components use alternative methods to connect parts besides welding due to this act. The Ford F150 has many aluminum parts joined by rivets and special adhesives for instance. In the initial construction and of course for repairs, this replaces welding.
These kinds of repairs need to be known amongst the body shops. The same techniques and tools on aluminum components cannot be simply used from those who are experienced with welding on steel vehicles. After being welded at overly high temperatures, incorrect welding of aluminum can even become a safety concern. Panels can even shrink at high temperatures. While welding other parts of the vehicle, technicians must also be sure not to accidentally melt off adhesive connections.
Is Aluminum the Most Popular Metal?
Aluminum is becoming so popular since the government continues to put stricter fuel economy requirements on cars. Lightweight materials are going to become more and more common as it is all about the weight. The cost in fuel savings far outweighs the costs of repairs while it can be more complicated to fix.
Auto Body Shop & Aluminum Repair
Mostly aluminum components are contained in most new model vehicles including the Ford F150. To properly repair them, body shops need to make an investment in tools and training. For quite some time, it seems like the trend of using aluminum will continue. In order to work on aluminum body repairs, there are training courses to become certified. An auto shop can stay current and provide high-quality repairs from these certifications.
Custom Paint, Auto Repair & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
Not all body shops are certified to repair aluminum. When you need these repairs in Dallas, TX, call the professionals of Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic and let our certified and skilled experts take care of you.
