Steel was the main material used to build automobiles for years, but aluminum has become the modern metal of choice. Manufacturers made the switch because it offered several consumer and environmental benefits. However, the shift altered the way mechanics worked with and repaired auto metal. Here’s how aluminum has changed the car and auto body repair industry.

How Aluminum Became Popular

Aluminum has been a popular material for car bodies for the last 100 years, and in 2015, Ford® decided to design their trucks with it. The company chose aluminum because it’s light, so the vehicles won’t have to work as hard to move the body. This, in turn, resulted in fewer emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

Initially, consumers were concerned that lightweight aluminum trucks wouldn’t have the strength of steel models. However, this material has proven to be safe in crash tests held by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety®.

How Aluminum Affects Auto Body Repairs

Since aluminum is a lightweight material, it’s more susceptible to dents. Technicians had to think outside the box to figure out which auto body repair methods worked best. Then, mechanics had to be retrained with new education so that they could handle this type of repair properly.

Heat is required to make aluminum auto body repairs, so the entire truck panel must be heated and remolded to address a dent. Skilled mechanics rely on specialized equipment, like aluminum welders and dent pullers, to thoroughly heat and gently reshape the material.

If you have an aluminum vehicle that needs auto body repair, contact Collision Masters in Fairbanks, AK. These skilled mechanics have the tools and knowledge needed to address aluminum body damage, providing a lifetime warranty on all their work. Get more information about their services online, or call (907) 451-8456 to schedule an appointment.