Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident

Keen's Body Shop • March 9, 2024

two cars are damaged in a car accident on the side of the road .

According to the NHTSA, there's an average of one car accident every 60 seconds, which works out to well over 5 million accidents per year. With car wrecks being so common, it's especially important to take measures that reduce your risk of getting into one. But even if you drive defensively, every time you leave your driveway you're still at risk of getting in an accident because of somebody else's negligence. If your car is damaged in an accident, it's important that you entrust the repairs to a reputable body shop. A flawlessly restored body will keep you better protected if you get in another wreck at some point down the road. At Keen's Body Shop, our technicians are experts at meticulously repairing collision damage. Come and see us for top-quality auto body repairs in Columbus, OH.

Tips for Avoiding a Collision

Although it might sound obvious, the easiest way to prevent an accident is to simply keep your eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel. The top cause of accidents is distracted driving, with smartphone use being the main problem. However, there are other distractions that are sometimes to blame for accidents such as eating, grooming, and out-of-control children.

You can also decrease your chances of an accident by making sure that your windshield is free of blemishes that obscure your vision of the road. Windshield cracks and chips should be fixed so that your visibility is optimized. Another simple way to better see the road is to keep a good pair of polarized sunglasses in your car. At certain points in the day, the sun's glare can make it incredibly difficult to see the road. With polarized sunglasses, you'll be able to mitigate this blinding effect, which will in turn make it less likely that you get in an accident.

To minimize your risk of an accident, it's crucial that your brakes are working perfectly. Signs of brake trouble, such as squealing and grinding, should be addressed ASAP. Also, it's important to stay up to date with brake maintenance tasks like brake pad replacement and brake fluid exchanges. When your brakes are healthy and you keep a safe following distance, you'll be substantially less likely to get into a fender-bender.

Collision Repair in Columbus, OH

When you need collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, or Lancaster,contact Keen's Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336. At our local body shop, we can flawlessly repair your car's collision damage. And feel free to use our easy online estimate tool!

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4 Reasons Why It’s Essential to Quickly Fix Car Paint Damage

By Keen’s Body Shop • July 6, 2025

Even a small chip or scratch in your car’s paint may not seem like a big deal at first, but leaving it unaddressed can lead to larger problems. Car paint does more than give your vehicle a nice shine—it protects the metal underneath from moisture, corrosion, and other environmental threats. Taking quick action to fix paint damage helps preserve your vehicle’s condition. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert auto paint repair in the greater Columbus area. Here are four important reasons why prompt repair is essential. Prevents Rust from Forming When your car’s paint is chipped or scratched, the protective layer over the metal body is compromised. This allows water and oxygen to come into contact with the exposed metal, which can quickly lead to rust. Once rust begins to form, it can spread beneath the surface and cause structural issues that are far more expensive to fix than a simple paint repair. Addressing even minor paint damage right away helps protect your vehicle from corrosion. Maintains Your Vehicle’s Resale Value A car’s exterior is one of the first things buyers notice, and paint damage can give the impression that a vehicle hasn’t been well cared for. Whether you plan to trade in your car or sell it privately, a damaged paint job can significantly reduce its resale value. Fixing scratches, chips, and fading promptly shows that you’ve taken good care of the car and helps you get a better return on your investment when it’s time to sell. Stops Damage from Spreading Small areas of paint damage can worsen quickly if left untreated. A minor chip may grow into a peeling section of paint, and scratches can deepen with continued exposure to the elements. Dirt, debris, and abrasive car washes can all make existing damage worse. Promptly repairing the affected area helps prevent further degradation and keeps the issue contained before it becomes a bigger—and costlier—problem. Improves Overall Appearance Your car’s exterior plays a big role in its overall look. Even if your vehicle is in great mechanical shape, damaged paint can make it appear neglected. Touching up the paint not only restores your car’s original beauty, but also gives you a sense of pride when driving it. A well-maintained paint job contributes to a polished appearance that enhances your car’s visual appeal. Auto Painting & Paint Repair in Columbus, OH For auto painting 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 Tips to Prevent Your Vehicle from Getting Scratched

By Keen’s Body Shop • June 2, 2025

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!