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What you may or may not know about an Aluminum Car Body

Why are carmakers swapping steel for aluminum?

To maximize fuel economy, carmakers are replacing steel with aluminum for body panels. This switch helps save weight and improve gas mileage. However, it also brings new challenges.

Aluminum significantly reduces body weight. Ford has been a pioneer in using aluminum extensively. They bet heavily on this “aluminum crash diet.”

Aluminum can boost a vehicle’s fuel economy by up to 29 percent. Yet, working with aluminum presents difficulties. Its unique properties can make it challenging for body shops to replace heavily damaged panels.

Technician buffing car door
Dented aluminum car body

Aluminum’s premium price tag

Aluminum is far more expensive than steel in a raw state, in its conversion to a usable sheet metal, and in its assembly. This results in a 60 to 80 percent cost premium. Therefore, aluminum cars are more costly to produce than those made from steel.

Online discussion forums have found that paint problems and premature corrosion are common occurrences with aluminum cars.

Buying a car with an aluminum car body does not guarantee repeated trips to a body shop. It is wise, however, to be aware of common problems the metal can cause.

Call the auto body professionals

If you live in the Chesapeake, VA area and need to have body work done, don’t hesitate to call Car Struction today! We’ll restore your car to factory condition while ensuring the long-term safety of your passengers.

 

The post The Pros and Cons of an Aluminum Car Body appeared first on Car Struction.

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