Aluminum frame systems on an automobile as well as aluminum body panels can be quite challenging to an auto body mechanic that does not have the proper training. For many years, auto manufacturers have used steel and sheet metal to build up chassis frames, unibody cars and many body panels. Steel can flex many more times than aluminum therefore it is much easier to straighten after an auto collision accident. Aluminum on the other hand is much lighter than steel making the car lighter, faster and much more efficient. The benefits of aluminum over steel help the auto driver save money on fuel costs over a steel built frame without sacrificing safety.
Many car manufacturers are being quite creative in which vehicles the aluminum frames are being used on. Bmw, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, and Audi are a handful of auto makers that are benefiting from the use of aluminum over steel. These auto makers are already showing a stronger interest in purchasing the aluminum for their cars. Hoods, doors, fenders and trunks have been created using aluminum and the aluminum building ideas are just beginning. The future demands more efficient cars and the aluminum use will continue to arise as new ideas come forth on how to make a car lighter by replacing the steel parts with aluminum.
Repairing the aluminum is a totally different process than the steel frames and body panels. First of all, the aluminum metal has no memory like steel does so the metal has no desire to return back to its original shaping. Aluminum has a tendency to break after it is bent and you try to bend it back. Techniques to consider when repairing aluminum include properly heating the aluminum prior to bending and shaping it. Tools like an aluminum stud welder can be quite useful when the proper techniques are in place. Auto body shop repair technicians need special training to learn and practice aluminum repairs to ensure that the integrity of the aluminum is good after the aluminum is repaired for safety reasons.
Getting the benefits from aluminum will certainly save the driver lots of money. The downfall of having an aluminum car can occur after an auto accident in which the aluminum was not properly repaired. If this case happens, an auto frame can snap causing far more damage to the automobile than it should. This can also cause extreme injuries to a driver, passenger or other people in other vehicles. Make sure that when owning an aluminum car, if you need auto body repairs, go to an auto body repair shop that performs aluminum auto body repairs properly. This certainly will ensure the longlastivity and safety of your aluminum auto.
by Guy's Automotive
