4 Tips to Prevent Your Vehicle from Getting Scratched

Keen’s Body Shop • June 2, 2025
A close up of the hood of a car with clouds reflected in the windshield.

Scratches can quickly diminish the appearance and value of your vehicle. Even small scratches can lead to rust and paint damage over time. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to help protect your car’s exterior. But if your vehicle does get scratched, you’ll want to get the repairs done promptly so that rust doesn’t get a chance to set in. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car scratch repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four tips for preventing scratches and keeping your car looking its best.


Be Careful Where You Park

Choosing a safe place to park is one of the easiest ways to avoid scratches. Whenever possible, park away from crowded areas where other drivers are likely to park too close or open their doors into your vehicle. Avoid parking near shopping cart return areas or next to vehicles that appear neglected. If you’re parking on the street, try to stay away from tight spaces where other vehicles might pass closely.


Wash Your Car the Right Way

Improper washing techniques can actually cause scratches instead of preventing them. Always rinse your car thoroughly before washing to remove loose dirt and debris that can scratch the paint. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth and an automotive-specific soap. When drying, use a microfiber towel and pat the surface instead of dragging the towel across the paint.


Use a High-Quality Wax 

Applying a protective layer of wax adds a barrier between your car’s paint and the outside world. This can help reduce the impact of small abrasions from dirt, road debris, or even light contact with other objects. Wax not only helps maintain your vehicle’s shine, but also makes it easier to wash off contaminants that might otherwise scratch the paint. Regularly reapplying wax ensures that this layer of protection remains effective.


Keep Items Away from the Car’s Surface

Many scratches occur when people unintentionally brush against a car with bags, keys, or other objects. Be mindful when loading or unloading your vehicle and avoid placing anything on the roof, trunk, or hood. Even resting a box or shopping bag on the surface for a moment can lead to marks. If you use your trunk frequently, take extra care when removing large or bulky items that might graze the surrounding paint.


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!

4 Problems that Frame Damage Can Cause If It's Not Promptly Repaired

By Keen’s Body Shop • August 5, 2026
A vehicle's frame is its structural foundation, providing strength, stability, and support for the engine, suspension, and body panels. Even relatively minor collisions can bend or weaken the frame, and while the damage may not always be visible, it can have a significant impact on your vehicle's safety and performance. Ignoring frame damage can allow small problems to become much more serious over time. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert automotive frame repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four reasons why it's important to have frame damage professionally repaired as soon as possible. Compromised Safety in Future Accidents Your vehicle's frame is designed to absorb and distribute crash forces during a collision. When the frame is bent or weakened, it may no longer protect occupants as intended. A compromised frame can affect the performance of crumple zones and other safety systems, potentially increasing the risk of injury in another accident. Prompt frame repair helps restore your vehicle's structural integrity and improves protection. Uneven Tire Wear and Alignment Problems Frame damage often affects your vehicle's alignment. Even a slight bend can throw the suspension and steering geometry out of specification, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. Misalignment also leads to uneven tire wear, reducing tire life. Repairing the frame helps restore proper alignment and promotes more even tire wear. Poor Handling and Reduced Stability A damaged frame can negatively impact how your vehicle handles on the road. You may notice wandering, vibrations, difficulty steering, or reduced stability during cornering and braking. These handling issues can become especially dangerous during emergency maneuvers or poor weather conditions. Restoring the frame to factory specifications helps ensure predictable handling and a smoother, safer driving experience. Reduced Resale Value and Higher Repair Costs Frame damage that goes unrepaired can significantly reduce your vehicle's resale value. Potential buyers are often hesitant to purchase vehicles with unresolved structural damage. In addition, continuing to drive with a damaged frame can place extra stress on the suspension and steering, potentially leading to additional repairs. Addressing the problem early is typically far less expensive than waiting until secondary damage develops. Automotive Frame Repair in Columbus, OH For expert 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 to schedule an appointment!

Important Actions You Should Take Following an Auto Accident

By Keen’s Body Shop • July 3, 2026
In the moments that follow a collision, knowing what steps to take can help protect your safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle. Acting quickly and carefully can also make the insurance and repair process much smoother. Here’s a look at five important actions to take after a car accident. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries The first priority after any accident is safety. Check yourself, passengers, and others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. If possible and safe, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Call Law Enforcement It’s important to contact the police after an accident, even if it appears minor. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be helpful for insurance claims and any disputes. Officers can also help document the scene and gather necessary information. Exchange Information With the Other Driver Be sure to exchange essential details with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility. Stick to factual information only. Document the Accident Scene If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, damage, skid marks, and surrounding area. This documentation can be helpful when filing an insurance claim and can support your version of events if questions arise later. Choose a Trusted Collision Repair Shop After notifying your insurance company, it is important to select a reputable collision repair shop to assess and repair your vehicle. A trusted shop will provide a thorough inspection, accurate estimate, and high-quality repairs that restore both safety and appearance. Choosing experienced professionals helps ensure that hidden damage is properly addressed and your vehicle is returned to safe operating condition. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH For expert collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster , contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Our team of experienced technicians can properly restore your vehicle. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment !
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