Aluminum is increasingly common in car and truck bodies. Why? It’s more resistant to dents, and it’s much lighter than steel, which makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient. It also has a bend-without-breaking quality that makes it better able to handle an accident. Despite its image as a strong metal, steel actually becomes much weaker when it bends, while aluminum becomes stronger. Because aluminum responds to stress so differently, you need an auto body shop that understands how to repair it. Using traditional steel methods simply won’t work.

Aluminum is becoming more widely used in the industry. The popular Ford F-150 uses aluminum body components, as do newer vehicles from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover.

There’s a catch, though. The aluminum auto body repair process is very different from traditional auto body work. Because of this, you need an auto body repair specialist who has the tools and understands the techniques for working on autos with aluminum on their exterior. At Purnell Body Shop in Elkton, Maryland, our expert technicians have the tools and knowledge to effectively meet your aluminum body repair needs.

Why Does Purnell Body Shop Stand Out for Aluminum Repair?

As you can see, you need to carefully choose an auto body shop that can handle aluminum body repairs. Some shops say that they can handle all types of auto body work, but they lack the tools and knowledge to handle aluminum repairs.

At Purnell Body Shop, we have aluminum-only tools that we use to effectively repair aluminum auto body parts. The technicians in our I-CAR Gold Class-certified auto body shop have the knowledge and training to assess the body damage and make a plan for the repairs or replacement.

We even have aluminum-only bays for making the repairs. Not only does this mean we have the right setup for efficient repairs, but we avoid potential cross-contamination. Steel dust can speed up corrosion on aluminum.

Here are some other reasons drivers throughout Cecil County, Maryland, choose us.

• We maintain I-CAR Gold Class certifications. This accreditation isn’t a one-time exam. Keeping certification means our technicians are constantly trained on the newest auto body repair techniques. We give you the latest and best repair options.

• We work efficiently. With the expertise and tools on hand, we complete 99% of our work in-house. Repairs happen in a timely manner, and you can get back on the road and back to your life quickly.

• We communicate clearly. Many people have had bad experiences with lengthy repairs or surprise costs when they go to a body shop. We avoid this by making sure you understand the damages, the cost of repairs, and all your repair options.

• You enjoy total convenience. You get peace of mind knowing we’ll do the job efficiently and correctly. And, you don’t even have to wait for us to finish. We partner with Enterprise of Elkton, MD to provide rentals to customers while their cars are in our shop.

Our customers trust us because of our transparent approach to customer service and our expertise. We’re also part of the community. Even if you’ve never gotten auto body repairs from us, you may recognize our name from local events or sponsorships. We sponsor Little League teams and the Fraternal Order of Police. We have also gotten awards from the Cecil Whig, Elkton Alliance, and AutocheX.

How Does an Auto Body Shop Repair Aluminum Damage?

What is our approach to aluminum auto body repair? Steel auto body repair requires muscle. Steel bounces back into place, so repairs often rely on force. Aluminum repair requires more finesse. Our technicians use heat and specialized tools to reshape the body back into its original form. This requires expertise because doing it wrong can compromise the integrity and strength of the aluminum.

The process of repairing aluminum panels is different from repairing steel because aluminum behaves differently. It doesn’t snap back into place like steel. Once aluminum is reshaped, it takes on a new shape and “forgets” its original form. When aluminum is stamped into shape, it becomes stronger. And after a collision, the bent panel becomes even stronger.

A thin coating of aluminum oxide forms quickly when exposed to air, which must be removed before repairs. Technicians use tools like abrasive grinding discs, inline removal tools, and stainless-steel brushes for this purpose.

The reshaping process for aluminum requires heat. The panel must be heated to 400 °F to soften the metal. The temperature needs to be precise. It must be at least 400 °F for proper reshaping. However, it can’t go above 750 °F. To ensure the right temperature range, our experts use a digitally controlled heat gun.

We’re also ready to add paint and coatings so that the repaired area looks as good as new.

Our repair process can vary depending on the type and location of the damage. However, we’ll always be transparent and let you know what we plan to do and how much it will cost before we start work.

Trust Our Auto Body Shop in Elkton for Your Repair Needs

Choosing the right auto body shop can be a challenging task. You need a team you can trust, a shop that understands the intricacies of your vehicle, and a repair process that minimizes disruption to your life. If you have aluminum body components, you need someone who has the right tools and knowledge to get the job done correctly.

At Purnell Body Shop, we provide all of these qualities and more. We’re not just fixing cars; we’re building relationships with our customers. Our long-standing presence in the community, combined with our commitment to continuous training and specialized tools and techniques, makes us the ideal choice for your collision repair needs.

We’re confident in the quality of our work, and we have the reputation to back up this confidence. Experience the Purnell difference — contact us for an estimate and discover why generations of drivers have trusted us with their vehicles.