Keen's Body Shop Blog

Many wrecks are preventable with proper driving habits. By staying vigilant and practicing safe driving techniques, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting into a crash. But if you are involved in an accident, it’s important that the repairs are done by an expert. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide top-quality collision repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are five tips for reducing the risk of car wrecks. Avoid Distractions Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents, primarily due to phone usage. It only takes a moment of inattention for a crash to occur. Avoid using your phone, eating, or doing anything that takes your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. If you need to use your phone for navigation, set it up before you start driving, or safely pull over if necessary. Always Obey Speed Limits Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of a crash if one occurs. Always follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for road conditions, such as rain or heavy traffic. Driving at a safe speed gives you more control and better visibility, both of which are crucial for avoiding accidents. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end collisions. To reduce your risk of an accident, always maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. A good rule of thumb is the "three-second rule," which means you should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Increase this distance in adverse weather conditions. Use Your Signals Using your turn signals helps other drivers anticipate your actions, reducing the likelihood of sudden, unexpected movements that can lead to accidents. Whether you're changing lanes or making a turn, always use your signals to communicate your intentions clearly and early. Always Drive Sober Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of fatal accidents. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your reaction time and decision-making abilities. Always have a designated driver if you plan to drink, or use a rideshare service. Similarly, avoid driving when you're feeling overly fatigued, as drowsiness can have similar effects on your driving performance. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Car scratches are a frustrating and common issue for vehicle owners. Whether it's a minor scuff or a deep scratch, they can affect both the appearance and value of your car. If your car gets scratched, it’s important to get the repairs done ASAP. Otherwise, rust could soon take hold. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car scratch repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are five common ways that cars get scratched. Parking Lot Hazards Parking lots are notorious for causing scratches. Tight spaces, careless drivers, and shopping carts are all potential threats. Car doors from neighboring vehicles can swing open and make contact with your car, leaving behind a bad scratch. To help mitigate this risk, it’s better if you can park in less-crowded areas of the lot, even if that means a somewhat longer walk to the entrance. Improper Washing Techniques Using the wrong tools and techniques to wash your car can lead to scratches in the paint. Old or dirty sponges can scrape the surface of your car. Some automatic car washes that use rough bristles may leave swirl marks. To minimize the risk of scratches while washing, it’s best to use microfiber washing mitts that are gentle on the surface. Road Debris Rocks, gravel, and other road debris can get kicked up by the tires of vehicles in front of you, striking your car and causing chips or scratches. This is particularly common when driving on highways or gravel roads where loose materials are more likely to be present. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on roads with loose debris, can reduce this risk. Tree Branches and Bushes If you park your car under trees or near bushes, there’s a risk that overhanging branches or foliage will scratch the surface. Tree branches can sway in the wind, scraping against your vehicle, while small scratches from bushes can accumulate over time as you pull into or out of your driveway. Keys and Other Sharp Objects Accidental or intentional scratches from keys, zippers, or other sharp objects are another common cause. Sometimes keys or other items in your pocket can brush against the paint while unlocking the door. In other cases, deliberate acts of vandalism can leave deep scratches. Car Scratch Repair in Columbus, OH For auto body repair in Columbus , Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment !

Car frame damage can occur during accidents or even from hitting a large pothole, but it’s not something to take lightly. Ignoring frame damage can lead to significant problems that may jeopardize your vehicle's safety and performance. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert automotive frame repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are five important reasons to address car frame damage as soon as possible. Safety Concerns A damaged frame compromises the structural integrity of your car, making it less capable of absorbing impact in the event of another accident. If your frame is weakened, you and your passengers are at a higher risk of injury. Fixing the frame helps ensure that your vehicle retains its ability to protect everyone inside. Compromised Alignment Frame damage can lead to misalignment, which affects your vehicle’s handling. A misaligned vehicle may pull to one side, have uneven tire wear, or exhibit poor steering response. This can make driving dangerous, especially at higher speeds. Correcting frame damage will help restore proper alignment and improve driving safety. Increased Wear on Parts A damaged frame puts additional stress on other parts of the car, such as the suspension, tires, and axles. This added strain can lead to premature wear and expensive repairs. Addressing frame damage promptly will help prevent these related issues and may save you money in the long run. Resale/Insurance Implications If you try to sell or insure a car with frame damage, you may face reduced value or coverage limitations. Getting the frame fixed helps ensure compliance with insurance rules and better maintains your vehicle’s resale value. Prevent Further Damage Ignoring frame damage allows the issue to worsen. What might start as a small problem can escalate into a more expensive and complex repair. Fixing the damage early on helps you avoid further deterioration of the frame and any associated components. Automotive Frame Repair in Columbus, OH For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Maintaining your car’s paint job is crucial for both its appearance and longevity. Auto paint repair can address minor scratches, chips, and other imperfections, providing several significant benefits. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car painting and auto paint repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here’s a look at five great benefits of auto paint repair. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal One of the most immediate benefits of auto paint repair is the improved appearance of your vehicle. Scratches, chips, and faded paint can make even a relatively new car look worn out. By repairing these imperfections, you can restore your car's original beauty and ensure it looks its best. Protection Against Rust and Corrosion Auto paint serves as a protective layer for your car’s body. When the paint is damaged, the underlying metal can become exposed to the elements, leading to rust and corrosion. Rust can spread quickly and cause severe damage to your car's structure. Repairing paint chips and scratches promptly helps prevent moisture from reaching the metal, thereby protecting your car from rust, which can in turn extend its lifespan. Increased Resale Value A car with a well-maintained paint job is more likely to retain its value. Prospective buyers often judge a vehicle by its exterior condition, and a car that looks pristine can command a higher price. Auto paint repair helps maintain your car’s resale value by ensuring it looks attractive and well-cared-for, making it easier to sell when the time comes. Personal Pride If you’re someone who takes pride in their ride, then it’s important to repair blemishes to your car’s paint job. By restoring your car’s exterior to its former glory, you’ll feel a greater sense of personal pride when you hop in your vehicle to hit the road each day. Auto Painting & Paint Repair in Columbus, OH For auto painting and paint repair in Columbus , Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Our technicians can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment !