Use of aluminum is not new in the automotive industry. Many luxury brands, like Audi, Mercedes Benz, Bentley, Land Rover and Porsche have been using aluminum components for years. It is now increasingly becoming the material of choice for auto manufacturers thanks to its strength and environmental advantages.
There are many advantages to owning an aluminum-bodied vehicle. The material’s lighter weight offers a cost-effective way to increase fuel economy and performance, without sacrificing on durability and safety. The high strength aluminum used in newer vehicles is actually stronger than most comparable weight steel. And it will last longer without corroding.
While automobiles made with either aluminum or steel look virtually identical once painted, there are differences in the way a collision repair shop must go about fixing them. Aluminum is unlike steel in that it doesn’t have a “memory” or “desire” to return to its original shape once it’s damaged. It will want to remain in its damaged state, and different techniques need to be applied to assist it in returning to its original state, but most damage can be repaired.
For the past year, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, North America’s largest network of collision repair shops, has been preparing for the demands of aluminum repair, training technicians on aluminum repair processes for structural and non-structural jobs and setting up the tools and equipment needed for aluminum repair.
Here are some questions and answers that consumers need to know when it comes to having their aluminum-bodied vehicle repaired the right way:
Ask if they have the proper tools, equipment and certification:
- Shops must invest in specialty tools, equipment and training in order to be able to make proper aluminum repairs. Ask the shop if they are certified by your vehicle manufacturer or recognized by the manufacturer for aluminum repairs.
- Shops much use separate tools and work bays to avoid cross contamination. If aluminum comes in contact with steel it will slowly corrode. Even dust from steel repairs nearby begins corroding the aluminum. Damage may not appear for months or even years.
- Look for a shop that has a separate bay for aluminum repairs only, with tools used only on aluminum.
- Find a shop with technicians that have been trained specifically on aluminum – ask to see their certificates for aluminum repair and welding. Shops that have invested in aluminum repair will not hesitate to share their equipment and training certifications with you.
CARSTAR shops that are part of Ford dealerships are officially certified in aluminum repair through the Assured Performance Network and listed as an approved facility on the Ford website. Other CARSTAR stores are recognized for their aluminum repair training, tools and equipment per the Assured Performance Network. In addition, CARSTAR has its own internal certification process that is part of its proprietary EDGE Performance Tier 5.
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is North America’s largest Multi-Shop Operator Network of independently owned collision repair facilities with more than 430 locations in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR delivers national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings; all repairs are backed by a national warranty and service guarantee. For more information visit www.carstar.com. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchisees. Interested parties should contact Scott Robertson, Vice President of Development at [email protected] or 888.505.6815.
