Aluminium Car Body Repairs in Melbourne
More and more cars are built with aluminium panels and structures, from Audi and Range Rover to Tesla. Aluminium is light and strong, but it can’t be repaired the same way as steel. It needs its own tools, its own repair methods and a clean place to work.
At Glossworks, aluminium is repaired in our dedicated aluminium repair bay, with its own tools, so it isn’t contaminated by steel dust. We have this at both shops, in Moorabbin and Carnegie. Every repair follows the manufacturer’s repair methods for your car and comes with our Lifetime Guarantee on paint and workmanship for as long as you own your car.
Call 1300 145 677 (1300 1 GLOSS), WhatsApp +61 484 233 535 or upload photos of the damage for a quote.
Why aluminium needs a different repair
Steel dust causes corrosion
If steel dust or filings get onto bare aluminium, the two metals react, and the aluminium can corrode under the paint later. That’s why aluminium work is kept away from steel work, with separate tools and a separate area.
Aluminium behaves differently
Aluminium reacts to heat and force differently from steel. It’s softer in some ways, it work-hardens as it’s shaped, and it can crack if it’s pushed too far. Dents have to be worked carefully, and some damage can’t be repaired at all.
Joining methods are set by the manufacturer
Many aluminium panels and structures are joined with rivets and structural adhesive, not welding. The manufacturer’s repair method says how each joint is made, which parts can be repaired and which must be replaced. We follow that method for your model.
Cars with aluminium bodies and panels
You may not know your car has aluminium in it. Common examples include:
- Audi: many models use aluminium panels or aluminium-intensive bodies, including the A8 and R8. Glossworks is authorised for Audi repairs. See Audi smash repairs.
- Tesla: the Model S and Model X have largely aluminium bodies, and the Model 3 and Model Y use aluminium parts and large single-piece castings. We’re authorised by Tesla to buy genuine Tesla parts and repair to Tesla’s methods. See EV and Tesla smash repairs.
- Land Rover and Range Rover: recent Range Rover models are built with aluminium bodies. See Land Rover smash repairs.
- Jaguar: many Jaguar models use aluminium-intensive bodies. See Jaguar smash repairs.
- BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche: many models combine aluminium panels with a high-strength steel structure. Glossworks is authorised for BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche repairs. See BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche smash repairs.
- Other makes: aluminium bonnets, guards, doors and boot lids are now common on many everyday cars and EVs.
Not sure what your car is made of? Send us photos and your car’s make and model, and we’ll tell you.
How we repair aluminium
- Assessment and quote. We inspect and photograph the damage, check the manufacturer’s repair method for your model, and give you a written quote listing every part.
- Into the aluminium repair bay. Aluminium parts are repaired in our dedicated aluminium repair bay, using tools kept only for aluminium.
- Repair or replace. If the panel can be repaired, we repair it as the method allows. If it must be replaced, we replace it, using genuine parts where the repair calls for them.
- Joining. Joints are made the way the manufacturer specifies, such as rivets and structural adhesive.
- Paint. We colour-match and blend into the panels next to the repair, so the finish matches the rest of your car.
- Final checks. We check panel gaps, lights and sensors, and calibrate driver-assist systems where the manufacturer requires it.
- Collect. You collect your car from our presentation bay, along with our Lifetime Guarantee.
Aluminium repairs and insurance
We work with all major insurers.
- Not at fault? If another driver caused the crash and you’re claiming from their insurer, you can usually choose who repairs your car. When the at-fault driver’s insurer pays for the repair, you pay $0, and there’s no excess on your own policy. Read more about not-at-fault accident repairs.
- Claiming on your own policy? You pay only your insurer’s excess, and your insurer pays the rest of the approved repair. Whether you can choose your repairer depends on your policy.
- Paying privately? You’ll get a clear written quote, and no work starts until you approve it.
A hire car and third-party recovery are arranged through our third-party partner, subject to their eligibility and terms.
Our shops
- Glossworks Moorabbin: 44 Alex Ave, Moorabbin VIC 3189. Moorabbin shop page
- Glossworks Carnegie: 1064 Dandenong Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163. Carnegie shop page
- Both open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead avoids a wait.
- We can pick up your car on request from anywhere in Melbourne.
We repair all makes and models, steel or aluminium. European and prestige cars are our specialty. See all our European and prestige car smash repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can any panel beater repair aluminium?
Aluminium needs its own tools and a separate work area, so steel dust can’t contaminate it and cause corrosion. Ask your repairer how they handle aluminium. At Glossworks, aluminium is repaired in our dedicated aluminium repair bay.
Do both your shops repair aluminium?
Yes. Our Moorabbin and Carnegie shops each have a dedicated aluminium repair bay with its own tools.
How do I know if my car has aluminium panels?
Many Audi, Tesla, Range Rover, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche models use aluminium, and so do many other cars. Send us photos and your car’s make and model, and we’ll tell you.
Can a dented aluminium panel be repaired, or does it need replacing?
It depends on the damage and on the manufacturer’s repair method for your car. Some aluminium panels can be repaired, and some must be replaced. Your written quote will show which.
Do you repair aluminium on Teslas?
Yes. We’re authorised by Tesla to buy genuine Tesla parts and repair to Tesla’s methods. Large castings are repaired or replaced exactly as Tesla’s repair procedure sets out.
Will my insurer cover an aluminium repair?
We work with all major insurers, and aluminium repairs are part of a normal claim. What’s covered depends on your policy.
Get an aluminium repair quote
Call 1300 145 677, WhatsApp +61 484 233 535 or upload your accident photos.
Glossworks Moorabbin
44 Alex Ave, Moorabbin VIC 3189
Glossworks Carnegie
1064 Dandenong Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163