5 Common Causes of Car Scratches

Keen’s Body Shop • September 26, 2024
A black car is driving down a road on a cloudy day.

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!

What can I do to reduce my car accident risk?

By Keen’s Body Shop • November 3, 2026
Auto accidents can happen unexpectedly, but many collisions are preventable when drivers practice safe driving habits and remain attentive behind the wheel. Whether you travel long distances or run errands around town, making responsible decisions on the road can reduce risks for you and others. From avoiding distractions to maintaining your vehicle, a few simple precautions can make a meaningful difference. Here’s a look at four basic tips for preventing auto accidents. Always Stay Focused on Driving Distracted driving is a major safety concern because even a brief lapse in attention can prevent you from noticing changing traffic conditions. Avoid texting, checking notifications, or reaching for objects while driving. Set your navigation system and music before leaving, and keep your phone out of reach if necessary. Staying focused allows you to recognize hazards, respond to sudden stops, and maintain awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Following too closely reduces the time available to react when the vehicle ahead slows down or stops suddenly. Leave at least a three-second distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, increasing that distance in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic. A larger gap provides additional time to brake smoothly and avoid a collision. Avoid tailgating, and remember that larger vehicles may require more stopping distance than passenger cars. Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained Mechanical problems can contribute to accidents, making routine vehicle maintenance an important part of safe driving. Worn tires, malfunctioning brakes, damaged lights, and steering problems can affect your ability to control your vehicle. Follow your manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and address unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in handling promptly. Before longer trips, check that your tires, lights, windshield wipers, and other essential systems are functioning correctly. Drive Defensively and Anticipate Hazards Defensive driving means looking beyond the vehicle directly ahead and anticipating what other drivers might do. Watch for pedestrians near intersections, cyclists in blind spots, sudden lane changes, and vehicles entering traffic. Check mirrors regularly, signal your intentions clearly, and avoid assuming other drivers will always follow traffic rules. Stay calm when encountering aggressive drivers, and allow extra space rather than escalating a dangerous situation. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH Even if you’re careful, you still may end up in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, in which case our local body shop can provide expert repairs. For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Important Reasons Automotive Rust Should Be Professionally Fixed Right Away

By Keen’s Body Shop • October 5, 2026
Automotive rust is more than a cosmetic problem. Once corrosion begins forming on your vehicle, it can continue spreading and affect the metal underneath. What starts as a small rust spot can eventually become a much more extensive issue, particularly when the vehicle is exposed to moisture and corrosive substances. Having automotive rust professionally repaired as soon as possible can help protect your vehicle’s appearance, structural condition, and long-term value. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car rust repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four important reasons to deal with car rust ASAP. Prevent Rust From Spreading Rust tends to progress once corrosion has begun affecting a metal surface. Simply covering a rust spot with paint is not the way to address the underlying corrosion. Professional auto body technicians can evaluate the affected area, remove damaged material when appropriate, treat the surface, and refinish it properly. Addressing rust while it’s relatively localized can help prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas. Protect Your Vehicle’s Body Severe corrosion can weaken automotive body panels and other metal components. As rust continues to develop, it can cause bubbling, flaking, holes, and deterioration of the affected metal. Professional rust repair can help preserve the condition of the vehicle’s body by addressing corrosion before it causes more extensive deterioration. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Appearance Rust spots, bubbling paint, and discolored areas can make an otherwise well-maintained vehicle look neglected. Professional repairs can restore affected areas and help create a cleaner, more consistent appearance. Taking care of rust promptly can also prevent small blemishes from becoming large, highly visible areas of corrosion. Help Preserve Resale Value A vehicle with extensive visible rust will likely be less appealing to prospective buyers. Keeping corrosion under control demonstrates that the vehicle has received proper care. Professional rust repair can help maintain the exterior condition of your vehicle and contribute to its long-term value. Automotive Rust Repair in Columbus, OH For expert 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 schedule an appointment!
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