Botta's Auto Body

The Steel vs. Aluminum Debate

For many years now, car people have argued on the topic of steel vs. aluminum in vehicle manufacturing. Lately, the topic is receiving even more attention, as Chevy's latest ad campaign demonstrated the difference between the two materials by dropping heavy loads on Chevy and Ford truck beds. 

Here at Botta's Auto Body, you can find a comprehensive list of the main differences between steel and aluminum car bodies. As aluminum has become more popular, and we've begun to see it every day in  San Francisco, CA, we feel that this blog is both informational and timely!

In Chevrolet's campaign for steel vs. aluminum, the carmaker compares the Silverado’s advanced high-strength steel (AHHS) bed to a Ford’s truck bed. AHHS, which is prevalent in Chevrolet models and in a wide range of other brands like Kia and Volkswagen, utilizes for a thinner sheet of steel to be used than previously resulting a lightweight model with high safety ratings.

Aluminum cars like Fords and Land Rovers offer drivers the myriad benefits of aluminum bodies, and the claim to being the “material of choice” in the automotive design industry of the future.

Benefits of Steel

Easy to shape. With new and innovative processes for forming steel for today's vehicle models, the material has become easier to work with than aluminum.

Simple to repair. By and large, steel is less costly to repair and can often be fixed through spot welding.

Simple to recycle. Both aluminum and steel are equally recyclable, but steel is much easier to handle throughout the entire recycling procedure.

Much Stronger than Aluminum. Newer vehicles now have advanced high-strength steel components, which are considerably stronger than conventional steel and aluminum.

Benefits of Aluminum

More Lightweight. Vehicles constructed with aluminum have been traditionally lighter, thereby offering drivers drastically improved fuel economy ratings.

Infinitely Recyclable. Aluminum is easy and inexpensive to recycle and that's why carmakers like the green aspect of the substance.

Better for the environment. Aluminum has lower carbon emissions resulting in a less severe impact on the planet, making it greener than high-strength steel across the board.

As car manufacturers continue to aggressively develop aluminum and high-strength steel (AHHS) and incorporate them into many of their new designs, we will see new and exciting uses that will enhance their strength and durability even more. Either way, steel and aluminum are here to stay as we enter an age of new, high-tech cars.

Sources: Wikipedia, Forbes and eBay Motors