Not all auto body shops are created equal — and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to aluminum repair. What many drivers don’t know is that aluminum body damage can’t be repaired the same way as traditional steel. In fact, trusting an unqualified shop can result in weakened structural integrity, warranty loss, or even more costly repairs down the line.

At Metro Collision Center, we’ve invested in the training, certification, and advanced tools required to properly repair today’s aluminum-bodied vehicles. Our technicians are I-CAR Gold Class Certified in aluminum structural repair — the highest recognition in the collision industry — and we work with precision to restore your vehicle’s strength, safety, and appearance, exactly to manufacturer standards.

Here’s something most shops won’t tell you — over 70% of body shops in the U.S. don’t have the proper equipment or certifications to repair aluminum.

Why? Because aluminum is a completely different material than steel. It’s lighter, doesn’t have memory, and can’t be welded, reshaped, or treated the same way.

Attempting to repair aluminum using traditional steel techniques can lead to:

• Cracking or warping of panels

• Structural weakness

• Improper welds

• Paint adhesion failure

• Cross-contamination with steel (which causes corrosion)

That’s why major manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, Audi, and BMW require certified aluminum repair technicians — and specialized clean workspaces — to handle repairs on their vehicles.