Advantages of Steel and Aluminum Body Components in Vehicles

As mentioned above, steel has been the metal of choice for almost all automobiles since the advent of "horseless carriages." There are a lot of good reasons why this fact is the case.

Both auto manufacturers and auto repair professionals are highly familiar with the characteristics of steel used in vehicles. They have a deep understanding of its metallurgy, the science of working with metals, and are able to accurately foretell how steel will respond in almost all automotive applications.

In the event of collision damage, steel can be readily shaped back into its original form due to its inherent "memory". Collision repair specialists can restore the physical structure without needing to use more advanced technologies. In addition, steel is an easy-to-weld material that can be cut and joined with conventional welding equipment and techniques.

“Galvanic corrosion” is a term used to describe what happens when two dissimilar metals make contact and as electrons flow from one to the other. This same phenomenon is what makes a battery work. However, if galvanic corrosion occurs in your vehicle, then it will result in the gradual disintegration of components as electrons move. If a vehicle's structural components are exclusively made of steel, then the automotive manufacturer doesn't need to worry about circumventing possible corrosion by using special, insulated joints.

Even though aluminum is a new alternative metal used for vehicle structures, it has emerged as a serious contender for use in automotive body components. Here are some advantages aluminum offers in these applications.

By far, the biggest advantage offered by using aluminum in automobiles, including both engine and structural components, is the significant reduction in weight it provides. In fact, aluminum components weigh about half of equivalent steel components. This weight difference translates to much better fuel economy for drivers.

Aluminum is one of the most recyclable metals in use. In fact, around three-fourths of all aluminum produced since the introduction of modern smelting procedures in the late 1800s is still in use today. As a result, aluminum has a less negative impact upon environmental resources and can ultimately be extremely cost effective for both manufacturers and consumers.

One big advantage of using aluminum in vehicle structural components is its protective characteristics. In the event of an accident, aluminum can absorb a lot more of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be transferred to human occupants of vehicles. Injury likelihoods are lessened as drivers and passengers are both kept safer.