If the body of your vehicle is made out of aluminum, you need to make sure that you understand how to work with aluminum before you set out to do repairs. Here are three things that you need to understand about doing repairs on your own.

#1 Use Dedicated Tools

If you want to work on an aluminum body vehicle, you need to make sure that you have a dedicated set of tools that you only use on that particular vehicle. Aluminum does not mix well with steel and other metals. When aluminum and steel particles come into contact with one another, galvanic corrosion occurs. This type of corrosion is associated with two differently charged metals that do not react well with one another. 

Due to the fact that aluminum does not work well with other metals, you need to make sure that you use a dedicated set of tools while working on your aluminum body repair. It is actually best to have an entire different workshop or work area from any steel or other body work. You don't want small particles of metal that can get into the air while working on body repair to mix together and ruin your aluminum metal. 

#2 Use Strong Tools

Second, you need to make sure that you have strong tools on hand to use. Aluminum body work has a layer of oxidation on the surface that helps protect the aluminum underneath it. Unfortunately, this oxidation creates a really strong and tough layer, so you may need to use stud welders and other tools that have a higher range of power options than you do with other types of body work. 

Also, make sure that any tools you use, such as a stud or fastener, are also made out of aluminum and not another metal. You don't want to use a stud or fastener that is made out of another metal material; this could result in galvanic corrosion as well. 

#3 Work Quickly

When you work with aluminum, you need to be willing to work quickly and precisely. Aluminum is a very sensitive metal. It tends to warm up at a faster rate than other metals, and it also doesn't glow and give you the same visual clues that the metal is hot, which means you'll need to use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature. At the same time, aluminum also cools really quickly. That means if you need to manipulate a piece of aluminum body work, you need to be able to quickly manipulate the metal once it is hot as it will cool and settle at a fast rate. 

When doing aluminum body work, you really need to know what you are doing. If you don't have the skills or dedicated equipment for aluminum body work, you should let a professional handle your aluminum body repairs. Contact an auto body repair shop like High Point Body & Paint for more information and assistance. 

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