Since its creation, more than a century ago, the car has undergone an enormous amount of innovations that have improved it and evolved in all its aspects, be it speed, power, aerodynamics, lightness, comfort, efficiency and safety. On the other hand, it has also gone through several debates, one of them is definitely regarding reducing the weight of the car and which material is to be used – steel vs. aluminum. Here, we will see the basic aspects of both steel and aluminum, and try to understand, which is better and why.
Steel Vs. Aluminum – What is to Know?
The decision to buy a car is an important decision. So we must analyze all the variables before opting for one model or another. To do this, it is essential to compare the characteristics that are most important – if you buy a car with a steel or aluminum. But what is the ideal decision – a car with a steel or aluminum?
Why Aluminum for Cars?
Cars made with this material stand out for being quite light and for significantly reducing total body and engine weight ratio. In addition, aluminum dissipates heat better with a lower weight and has become the preferred material of many sports cars. On the other side of the coin, aluminum offers a greater tendency to wear for a very long time and its repair is usually more laborious. The other against more remarkable is the cost, since an aluminum body can be more than triple comparable to that of iron. Keep in mind that aluminum engines require more engineering for a matter of metal compatibility.
The use of aluminum in automobile manufacturing has made great progress over the past 20 years. So much so that today it has become a virtually mandatory material to manufacture a car. Aluminum has certain characteristics that, in many cases, make it a better material than steel. A lightweight material that generates great benefits. Less weight is directly equivalent to lower consumption, and this lower consumption is directly equivalent to fewer emissions of polluting gases.
Benefits of Aluminum:
Obviously, in the search to manufacture the most innovative automobile, companies saw in aluminum the ideal properties to have it as a raw material in the construction of the cars. The use of Aluminum Foam by Cymat Technologies in the parts that make up cars and trucks has increased steadily in the last decade. In addition, a lower weight also benefits the performance and driving dynamics, which are clearly improved. Also,
- They improve the appearance of your vehicle.
- They are built to precise standards and performance.
- They have a higher cost than steel.
- They weigh less and have greater strength.
- Reduce vehicle weight
Disadvantages of Steel Engines:
Steel engines, meanwhile, claim to be more durable and long-lived. However, they also have a greater engine weight. Engines of these characteristics expand heat than aluminum and are simply heavier. Due to weight ratio, steel body cars consume more fuel, and also tend to rust. In one word, compared to aluminum body parts, steel has several other disadvantages. Future realities aside, the truth is that when in doubt to buy a car with a steel or aluminum body parts, the answer is definitely, aluminum.
