Aluminum Vehicle Repair

Once relegated to the world of high-end performance cars like the Acura NSX and the corvette ZO6, aluminum framed, and paneled vehicles have increased in popularity over the last 5 years. This trend is expected to continue with more and more aluminum vehicles being produced. Aluminum has many advantages including strength and weight. In fact, pound for pound aluminum can absorb twice the crash energy of mild steel. This weight reduction allows for larger crush zones to be created without the corresponding weight penalties found with traditional steel construction. This weight reduction also adds fuel economy and with increasing regulations of fuel efficiency the trend of aluminum vehicles will continue to grow. Starting in 2014 model year ford’s popular f-150 received an aluminum frame. With this increase it’s surprising that less than a third of autobody repair shops are set to handle aluminum vehicle repairs.

Aluminum Vehicle Repair

Aluminum repair requires specialized equipment and training in order to be properly repaired. Considerations include clean areas and tools to prevent cross contamination with steel repairs. Aluminum is less malleable than steel which means specific techniques must be used to get the same results as working with steel. Smaller dents can be repaired using PDR but this also requires an advanced and specialized skill level, due to this factor aluminum panel repair tends to cost more than steel repair. Welding aluminum is another extremely specialized field, again requiring specific training and equipment.

If you need aluminum vehicle repair in North Idaho, you can rely on the trusted experts at Northwest Autobody in Ponderay and Sandpoint.